Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill
The government plans to close greyhound racing in New Zealand from August 2026. This bill makes it illegal to kill a greyhound that is or was registered with the NZ Greyhound Racing Association, or the pups of registered breeding females, unless a vet does it for a welfare reason allowed under the Association's rules. The worry is that some owners might kill their dogs just because they're no longer worth money once the industry closes. Breaking this rule can mean up to 12 months in prison, a fine up to $50,000, or both.
What this affects
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Killing a registered greyhound without a vet doing it for an approved welfare reason becomes a criminal offence with real penalties.
a person … commits an offence if the person— intentionally destroys a specified greyhound; or knowingly participates in, or procures, the destruction of a specified greyhound
a person who commits an offence against this section is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding $50,000, or both
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
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Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.