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Greyhound Racing NZ applies for judicial review of ban

Photo: Photosport Greyhound Racing NZ has applied for a judicial review of the government's decision to ban greyhound racing. In December, Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the practice would be banned from 31 July 2026. He said the decision had been made to protect the welfare of racing dogs , and although the industry had made progress injury rates remained persistenty high. Urgent legislation to prevent the destruction of dogs while the industry was wound down passed with the support of all parties in the House. It is estimated around 1000 people will be affected by the ban, with around 3000 dogs expected to need to be rehomed. Greyhound Racing NZ, which had been vocal in opposing the ban, has now applied through its counsel to the High Court to have the ban reviewed. Chief executive Edward Rennell said the review would "expose the government's cavalier attitude to policymaking adversely impacting the livelihoods of thousands". Its application said there was a duty to consult with the industry on the ban, but it had not happened. It said the Cabinet paper produced by the Department of Internal Affairs was selective in its use of reports from the Racing Integrity Board, and included no information from the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, and accused officials of having already made up their minds. It said decision-makers appeared to have acted in a way that made the decision a foregone conclusion, saying the prime minister had also already made up his mind and stated it publicy. "The government took its decision too lightly and too quickly, without due care and due diligence. It was a rushed and inadequate Cabinet paper," Rennell said. It claimed there were only a "few short steps" from Peters seeking a report in June 2024 on banning the sport, and Cabinet deciding to do so in December. Greyhound Racing NZ has also sought a Court order to stop the Crown from working on the ban while the review is carried out. RNZ has approached the Racing Minister for comment.