A second plane of greyhounds lands in Qld after New Zealand racing ban

Two flights carrying approximately 70 greyhounds each have arrived in Queensland, Australia, following the country's ban on greyhound racing effective August 1, 2024. This marks the second batch of greyhounds to land in Queensland since the ban came into effect, with up to ten percent of New Zealand's greyhound racing industry relocating to the state.

Queensland's Racing Minister Tim Mander was unaware of the flights but affirmed the state's commitment to greyhound racing, emphasizing the industry's economic significance. However, critics, including the senior scientific officer from the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, expressed disappointment, alleging that the dogs were being transported for racing rather than rehoming.

Dr Alison Vaughan warned that greyhound racing poses significant risks of serious injury and death, and she was concerned about the dogs' future at The Q, a new venue in Ipswich, which has reported injuries and fatalities. Queensland Racing Integrity Commission had received inquiries regarding the relocation of New Zealand trainers.

Organizers of the flights noted that each charter flight costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, money that would otherwise have been allocated to rehoming greyhounds in New Zealand. Greyhound Transition Agency, responsible for caring for and rehoming dogs whose owners transfer ownership to them, only accepted dogs whose owners opted into the program.

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds president Amy MacMahon criticized the lack of transparency regarding the flights, estimating that 26 dogs had died on or off track from injuries in 2025. She expressed worry that the New Zealand greyhounds would face similar fates, being raced and injured.