WELLINGTON, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government confirmed on Wednesday it will legislate on the closure of the greyhound racing industry by July 31, 2026.
The cabinet's decision has followed three official reviews since 2013 and ongoing concerns over animal welfare.
"Too many dogs continue to die and be seriously injured, and it is time to do the right thing," said New Zealand Racing Minister Winston Peters.
Cabinet has agreed in full to the recommendations from the Ministerial Advisory Committee tasked with planning the transition, Peters said, citing the Australian state of Tasmania's recent decision to abandon greyhound racing.
A government-backed Transition Agency will be established to manage the re-homing of greyhounds and to support industry participants through the closure process.
Peters said the plan provides certainty for participants and ensures animal welfare remains central during the transition.
The bill to formally ban the sport will be introduced to parliament later this year, with the public invited to make submissions. If passed, New Zealand will be among the few countries to ban greyhound racing on animal welfare grounds. ■
