over 1,000 greyhounds go missing every year. where do they go?
There are 1,483 greyhounds introduced into the racing industry every year, but only 227 of these dogs are kept by members of the industry, adopted by the public, or used for breeding every year. So where are the rest of these dogs going?
In an independent report commissioned by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) released earlier this year it was noted that euthanasia of healthy greyhounds within the racing industry was a key welfare concern.
Earlier this year, Farmwatch was asked to investigate claims that dogs were being killed at a property in Maramarua, owned by Phil Green, who was, at the time, the Head of Animal Welfare for the GRNZ board, Northern Representative on the Greyhound Racing Board, a Board Member of GAP (Greyhound As Pets), and the President of the Auckland Racing Club.
Farmwatch visited the site and found a pit full of decomposing bodies. The fur on some of the bones, length of the legs, and distinctive shape of the rib cage were unmistakably greyhound remains. To be sure, a skull was removed from the pit, which was later confirmed by a registered veterinarian to be the skull of a greyhound. The age of the greyhound was estimated to be approximately two years old.
On a subsequent visit to the property, Farmwatch found the charred remains of at least seven greyhounds on a bonfire. 3rd Degree confronted GRNZ with the evidence, which lead to Phil Green being stood down. GRNZ General Manager Jim Leach stated to TV3 News that what was found was not a breach of animal welfare laws. While this might be the case, the evidence speaks volumes about the industry, where greyhounds are only kept while they can generate profit and are otherwise killed and disposed of.
In an independent report commissioned by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) released earlier this year it was noted that euthanasia of healthy greyhounds within the racing industry was a key welfare concern.
Earlier this year, Farmwatch was asked to investigate claims that dogs were being killed at a property in Maramarua, owned by Phil Green, who was, at the time, the Head of Animal Welfare for the GRNZ board, Northern Representative on the Greyhound Racing Board, a Board Member of GAP (Greyhound As Pets), and the President of the Auckland Racing Club.
Farmwatch visited the site and found a pit full of decomposing bodies. The fur on some of the bones, length of the legs, and distinctive shape of the rib cage were unmistakably greyhound remains. To be sure, a skull was removed from the pit, which was later confirmed by a registered veterinarian to be the skull of a greyhound. The age of the greyhound was estimated to be approximately two years old.
On a subsequent visit to the property, Farmwatch found the charred remains of at least seven greyhounds on a bonfire. 3rd Degree confronted GRNZ with the evidence, which lead to Phil Green being stood down. GRNZ General Manager Jim Leach stated to TV3 News that what was found was not a breach of animal welfare laws. While this might be the case, the evidence speaks volumes about the industry, where greyhounds are only kept while they can generate profit and are otherwise killed and disposed of.
In the latter half of 2013, Farmwatch also carried out an investigation on a separate property owned by a key influential member of GRNZ. Farmwatch found dozens of dogs on the property, all of whom were living in substandard conditions with no more than a few square metres of concrete floor and a small square of sacking for a bed. The dogs were all visibly distressed and some were seen rapidly spinning in circles, which is a sign of psychological distress.
Farmwatch's core focus is on farmed animals, but supports every effort to expose any animal suffering or exploitation. We took part in this joint investigation because we want the public to see that the greyhound racing industry is barbaric and cruel; It exists solely for entertainment and gambling, and it needs to go.
For more information about greyhound racing in New Zealand and how you can help put an end to this cruel industry, visit the Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand’s website.
Farmwatch's core focus is on farmed animals, but supports every effort to expose any animal suffering or exploitation. We took part in this joint investigation because we want the public to see that the greyhound racing industry is barbaric and cruel; It exists solely for entertainment and gambling, and it needs to go.
For more information about greyhound racing in New Zealand and how you can help put an end to this cruel industry, visit the Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand’s website.