New Zealand announced that greyhound racing has officially ended, with the country holding its final race today. The government said it would provide homes for the retired dogs and offer support to people whose livelihoods were tied to the industry.
According to the New York Times World News report, the government’s commitment includes finding permanent residences for the greyhounds and financial or vocational assistance for former trainers, handlers, and other workers who relied on racing for income. No specific figures for the number of dogs or workers are given in the article.
Greyhound racing has been a popular sport in New Zealand for many decades, and its closure marks a significant shift in the country’s sporting and economic landscape.