Ban on Greyhound Racing in NZ: Time to Adopt?

A ban on greyhound racing in NZ has just been announced. For dog lovers, the most significant thing to note is that thousands of greyhounds will need to be rehomed over the next 20 months as the sport is phased out. PD strongly supports greyhound adoption in NZ:

“PD has strong relationships with greyhound rehoming initiatives here in NZ and now more than ever, this might be the time to adopt.”

– Michelle Le Long, PD Insurance COO

If you have a dog-shaped hole in your heart, it’s worth noting that Greyhounds (despite their fast speeds) are very chilled dogs. Find out more about the ban on greyhound racing in NZ and what you need to know about greyhound adoption in NZ.

Ban on greyhound racing in NZ announced

Until now, New Zealand has been one of only seven countries in the world that still allows greyhound racing. However, on Tuesday 10th December, Racing Minister Winston Peters announced a plan to phase out the sport over the next 20 months.

Why is there a ban on greyhound racing in NZ?

Many people who work in the greyhound racing industry will be impacted by the ban, so what is the reason behind the decision?

Simply put, the ban is designed to protect the welfare of these dogs. Sadly, many are fatally injured during races and other forms of mistreatment have also been cited. In the past racing season alone, the following were reported:

• 224 greyhound dogs were seriously injured
• 672 greyhound dogs experienced minor/medium injuries
• 9 greyhound dogs were euthanised because of racing injuries

The ban follows multiple critical reviews of the industry, starting in 2017. The 2017 report showed that nearly 1500 racing greyhounds were euthanised over four years. Watch the PD Pet Care vlog with Dr Cath to find out what happens during animal euthanasia.

When do racing greyhounds normally retire?

Like human athletes, a greyhound’s sporting career is short-lived. Most retire between two and four years old, which is very young! Once these kind-hearted hounds retire, they’re forced to find a new career path, ideally as the loving companion of a caring owner. Maybe you?

Even before the ban, several greyhound adoption programs in NZ have been rehoming these dogs for years. Now, with the ban on racing, thousands of dogs will need new homes in a limited span of time. Could an ex-racing greyhound dog be waiting for your arms?

If, like many others, you thought these guys needed lots of exercise, we’re here to break this myth wide open. Find out why this isn’t true and a bunch more facts, right here…

How much exercise do racing greyhounds need?

Because greyhounds are fast, it’s a common misconception they love and need lots of exercise. In reality, they love nothing more than long naps, soft toys and indoor living.

Greyhounds need between 30 and 60 mins of daily exercise and would prefer short, fast runs over a long stroll. After one or two of these they’ll happily curl up under a blanket for the remainder of the day.

Retired greyhounds as pets: yay or nay?

Greyhounds make excellent indoor pets and can easily enjoy apartment life. You’ll also be surprised to learn about these guys’ love of toys… Their rooms have been compared to “a little girl’s room” with many favourite fluffy toys! If you’re thinking of adopting, here’s more about these adorable dogs:

• Grooming. They have very short fur that barely sheds and, as a result, they get cold just like we do. Their minimal body fat makes them really sensitive to extreme chill or heat so winter warmers like dog jackets, jerseys and blankets are a must-have.

• Cleaning. Not only are they gentle, sweet and intelligent, they’re also often clean and quiet – fairly novel for a dog. They are wonderful pets for singles and families. Plus, if you aren’t big on toilet training your puppy, a retired greyhound will likely have had basic training already.

• Greyhounds and other pets. In terms of other pets, they tend to get on with dogs but aren’t always keen on cats. This is probably because they’ve been bred to dash off after small animals. This is why you should never let them off-leash around small animals. Having said that, every greyhound is his or her own person, so some may love cats.

Also, even though your greyhound might like their own cat sibling this won’t automatically endear them to the neighbour’s cat. If you decide to adopt a retired racing Greyhound, consider looking up a pet behaviourist to help them get settled in quickly.

Watch this PD Pet Care vlog for Dr Cath’s info on the difference between a dog trainer and pet behaviourist:

Greyhound adoption NZ

If you’re thinking of adopting a pet, a greyhound could make a welcome addition to your family. Now that the ban on greyhound racing in NZ is being rolled out, around 3000 dogs will need to find their furever home – and that could be yours!

Even before the ban, these dogs are generally still very young when they stop racing, so you can have a long and loving companionship.

Where to go for greyhound adoption in NZ

There are many greyhounds adoption programs already up and running in NZ. Most will facilitate each greyhound’s transition from racer to companion animal. Often this includes training, health checks (helpful for you to know what your pet insurance will and won’t cover) and family checks.

This means they look for the perfect greyhound personality to match yours.

Here are some organisations that work with greyhound adoption in NZ (and you can Google many others):

• Greyhounds as Pets
• Great Mates
• May Hounds
• Kiwikiwi Hounds

Watch this video that shares a success story from the retired greyhound adoption NZ program run by Greyhounds as Pets:

Greyhound key facts and stats

A greyhound can run as fast as 72 km/h. You don’t want them dashing after someone’s cat or into the street where there’s traffic. It’s very important to teach your dog good recall for situations like this and to keep them on a lead. If you’re thinking of greyhound adoption now that the ban of racing in NZ has been announced, then read about bringing home an adopted dog.

Greyhounds have a small head-to-neck ratio, making it easy for them to slip out of regular dog collars. Martingale collars are designed to prevent this and keep greyhounds comfortable and safe, so always choose this kind.

Here are some more greyhound facts:

Lifespan	10–14 years
Height	Males, 71-76 cm / Females, 68-71 cm
Weight	Males, 27-40 kg / Females, 25-34 kg
Coat	Short and low shedding
Colours	Red, blue, brindle, white, brindle, black, or a combo!

Speaking of hounds, also learn about the Basset Hound dog breed.

Ban on greyhound racing: NZ dog health issues?

Breeders have used a fairly large gene pool to keep greyhounds healthy and strong for racing, but like most purebred dogs, they can still be prone to several hereditary issues.

It’s advisable to find a vet that’s familiar with this breed, as greyhounds can be sensitive to medicines other dogs aren’t. For example, they’re sensitive to some chemicals like tick and flea medicines. Have your vet recommend one that won’t cause irritation or allergies.

These guys are naturally lean and can get skin sores if they sleep on the bare ground. They’re designed to have soft bedding to keep in good shape. A furry-tale dog if ever there was one.

Pet insurance for a soft landing

Greyhounds need soft beds and a soft landing for all the expected and unforeseen. Dog insurance can help provide a safeguard for a wide range of unexpected vet tests and treatment costs. It’s also easy to use and fast to access with your own personalised online policy management profile. Get one-month FREE dog insurance (or cat insurance) with your plan.

Click below to get a quote.