Animal rights group SAFE is calling on the government to urgently ban greyhound racing after the death of another dog at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. On Friday, October 18, a greyhound named What’s On suffered a catastrophic spinal fracture during a race, leading to the dog’s euthanasia.

The incident marked the fourth greyhound death in the current racing season, which began on August 1, and brings the total number of deaths to 30 since the previous Labor government formally notified the industry.

SAFE campaign manager Emma Brodie said it was time for the government to intervene, citing persistent injuries and deaths in the sport. “It is both deeply saddening and infuriating as we witness injury after injury and death after death. This cycle of suffering must end,” she said.

Brodie added that the greyhound racing industry has failed to show meaningful change and that the evidence of cruelty is overwhelming. “This industry has proven time and time again that it is incapable of change. The evidence of brutality is overwhelming and the government can no longer ignore it,” she said.

The Government has said it will make a decision on the future of greyhound racing in New Zealand by the end of 2024. Options being considered include maintaining the status quo, making regulatory changes, or banning the industry entirely.

However, SAFE believes that a ban is the only humane choice. “We don’t need more reports, more investigations or more excuses,” Brody said. “More dogs are suffering and dying every day while this industry remains unchanged. After years of not addressing the cruelty of greyhound racing, it has become clear that reforming greyhound racing is impossible. The only compassionate solution is to end this once and for all.”

SAFE is calling on the Government to take immediate action to introduce a complete ban on greyhound racing. “The Minister has all the evidence he needs to make the right decision to ban greyhound racing in Aotearoa,” Brodie said. “The tragic death of What’s On must be the last.”