Source: SAFE For Animals
Carrington Magic is the latest dog to be killed by the greyhound racing industry. At only two years old, she suffered an open spiral fracture to her left hind leg on May 16 at Hatrick Raceway in Wanganui and was euthanised shortly after.
Her death marks the eighth greyhound killed since the Government announced its plan to ban greyhound racing, and the 13th fatality this racing season. Since the December 2024 announcement, over 300 greyhounds have been injured, including 58 who suffered broken bones.
SAFE says these deaths and injuries are mounting proof that every day of delay is costing dogs their lives.
“We are heartbroken that Carrington Magic, like so many before her, will never get the chance to experience life beyond the track,” says SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie.
“As long as racing continues, dogs like Carrington Magic will continue to die simply for someone else’s profit.”
The Government has committed to ending greyhound racing, and the Ministerial Advisory Committee is due to release an interim report at the end of May. SAFE is urging both the Government and Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) to move quickly to wind-down the industry, before more dogs are harmed or killed.
“Every race is a gamble on a dog’s life, and Carrington Magic’s death is yet another reminder of what’s at stake,” says Brodie.
“We hope to see clear directives from the Ministerial Advisory Committee to begin phasing out races and prioritising rehabilitation and rehoming. The dogs cannot wait.”
SAFE is calling on GRNZ to take immediate responsibility for the lives of the dogs still being forced to race and begin the wind-down now.
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- Since Racing Minister Winston Peters announced a ban on greyhound racing on December 10, 2024, 315 dogs have suffered injuries requiring a standdown period, 58 dogs have suffered broken bones, and 8 dogs have died.
- Since the racing season began on August 1, 2024, 658 dogs have suffered injuries requiring a standdown period, 99 dogs have suffered broken bones, and 13 dogs have died.
- The Ministerial Advisory Committee formed to oversee the closure of the industry was due to release an interim report on 30 April, however it has been delayed until 30 May 2025. The report will include advice on the legislative, regulatory or operational changes required to shut down the industry, an operational transition plan, and a timeline for closure.