Government 'not satisfied' with greyhound racing industry's attempts to improve animal welfare

April 16, 2021

Racing Minister Grant Robertson said today that despite some progress, the industry still has a way to go.

Racing Minister Grant Robertson is "not satisfied" with the greyhound racing industry's progress in implementing recommendations to improve animal welfare - sparking a review into the industry. 

"Should the review show that progress has not been sufficient, a further fundamental look at the greyhound racing industry may be required," Robertson said. 

Animal welfare groups want to see independent audits, but racing advocates are adamant the industry is making improvements.

"While Greyhound Racing NZ has reported some progress in implementing the recommendations of the Hansen Report, recent incidents show the industry still has some way to go to achieve the appropriate standards.

"I have informed Greyhound Racing NZ that I am not satisfied the recommendations are being implemented in a way that is improving animal welfare, and with their failure to provide sufficient information on changes they are making," he said. 

The review is set to be completed by August 1 into animal welfare and safety. 

Greyhound Racing New Zealand said in a statement today they welcomed the review, but disputed Robertson's claim it failed to provide information. 

"We are confident that we are on track with everything we have been asked to do. It is incorrect that we have not acted on requests for reports.

"We have had an earlier request from the Minister for Racing on 2 February 2021 to provide a plan by the end of April, and this is well on track. 

"The Minister of Animal Welfare corresponded with us on 10 December 2020 to inform that we would be contacted by NAWAC with some suggestion for additional reporting and we have not been contacted to date." 

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