End of greyhound racing marks historic milestone for animals in Aotearoa – SAFE

Today marks the final day of greyhound racing in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the industry officially coming to an end from 1 August 2026.

For SAFE, this milestone reflects something bigger than the end of dog racing. It shows New Zealand is willing to question practices that no longer reflect our values or our expectations for how animals should be treated.

SAFE recognises the extraordinary commitment of Greyhound Protection League, HUHA, SPCA, Dogwatch, rescue organisations, volunteers, and the thousands of New Zealanders who campaigned for change by documenting welfare concerns, contacting decision-makers, signing petitions, attending protests and welcoming greyhounds into their homes.

“Today belongs to the greyhounds. It also belongs to everyone who never gave up on them,” says SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie.

“Change like this doesn’t happen overnight. It happens because people continue speaking up, even when they’re told it’s impossible. Today’s outcome reflects years of persistence from organisations, advocates and everyday New Zealanders who believed greyhounds deserved better.”

While today is a day of hope, Brodie says it is also a time to remember the greyhounds who never got to experience life beyond the racetrack.

“Just days ago, five-year-old greyhound Tiger Jane lost her life on the track. Her death is a heartbreaking reminder of why this change was needed, and why today’s milestone matters. Today, we remember every greyhound who paid the price before this industry came to an end.”

From tomorrow, no more greyhounds will be bred into racing in New Zealand.

“That’s what makes today so significant. No more dogs will enter an industry where injury and death are accepted as part of the business. That’s something every New Zealander can be proud of.”

SAFE says the end of greyhound racing should inspire confidence that New Zealand can continue making meaningful progress for animals.

“History is shaped by moments like this. Practices once defended as tradition can become part of our past when they no longer reflect who we are or the values we aspire to,” says Brodie.

“We hope the end of greyhound racing signals a positive direction for Aotearoa, one where compassion increasingly guides our decisions, and we continue questioning systems that ask animals to suffer for the benefit of humans.”