A flight carrying approximately 70 greyhounds from New Zealand has arrived at Toowoomba Airport in Queensland, following the recent prohibition of greyhound racing in New Zealand. This marks the second shipment of greyhounds to Queensland since the ban took effect on August 1.
Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander informed ABC that he was unaware of the flights but emphasized that the state has established regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety of the dogs. Following the ban in New Zealand, nearly 10% of the country’s greyhound racing population has moved to Queensland, where the sport remains legal.
The recent flight landed today, and another flight with a similar number of greyhounds arrived the previous week. The New Zealand government announced its decision to end greyhound racing due to animal welfare issues, which affected approximately 1,500 racing dogs in the country. The current relocation of around 140 dogs represents nearly 10% of that population.
Dr. Alison Vaughan, a senior scientific officer at the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, expressed her concern during a segment on ABC Radio Brisbane, stating that the dogs are being sent for racing purposes, rather than being rehomed. She remarked, “This contradicts the intent of the ban in New Zealand, although it remains technically legal.” She also highlighted the inherent risks associated with greyhound racing, which can lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
Dr. Vaughan expressed particular worry that these dogs might race at The Q, a new venue in Ipswich that has already witnessed multiple injuries and fatalities since its opening in 2025. She pointed out that Queensland has a higher injury rate among racing greyhounds compared to New Zealand, which prompted the ban there in the first place.
She further noted that organizing a charter flight is expensive, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, money that could have supported the rehoming of greyhounds in New Zealand. The ABC had previously reported plans for these flights in June. The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has acknowledged receiving inquiries regarding the relocation of trainers from New Zealand but has not yet commented on this particular situation.
The greyhounds are also expected to race in New South Wales, with Century Park Racing, a local club, stating on social media that some of the dogs will join its training program. The club expressed its willingness to help facilitate the dogs’ travel from New Zealand to Australia.
Minister Mander reiterated that he was unaware of the recent flight and asserted that the state government was not involved in the relocation process. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the dogs and their trainers are seeking opportunities to compete, and he affirmed the government’s support for the greyhound racing industry, which significantly contributes to the economy and employs thousands.
He emphasized that the government has implemented numerous regulations concerning animal safety and views animal welfare as a high priority. He mentioned that the responsibility for the care of the dogs lies with their trainers upon arrival in Queensland, and they must adhere to the existing conditions set for dogs in the industry.
The Greyhound Transition Agency in New Zealand, dedicated to the welfare and rehoming of racing greyhounds, stated that they only handle dogs whose ownership has been officially transferred to them. A spokesperson confirmed awareness of the flights but clarified that they had not facilitated any efforts to export greyhounds for racing purposes. They noted that while racing has ceased in New Zealand, owners still have time to consider transferring ownership of their dogs to ensure their care.
The spokesperson mentioned that Greyhound Racing New Zealand is committed to providing a list of dogs traveling to Australia, which will be cross-verified against ownership records to inform Australian racing authorities. Any greyhounds transferred to the Transition Agency will be deregistered and cannot race outside of New Zealand.
The RSPCA in Queensland has also voiced concerns about the influx of greyhounds. A spokesperson stated that the end of greyhound racing in New Zealand was seen as a hopeful turning point for the welfare of the dogs. However, they warned that Queensland is already under strain to find suitable homes for retired greyhounds, and the additional influx could exacerbate the situation.
The federal Department of Agriculture has been approached for comment regarding these developments.
