An animal rights organisation is very happy with the decision of the Manukau Sports Bowl greyhound racing track.
The municipality of Ōtara-Papatoetoe announced last Friday that a new running track would upgrade the greyhound track.
The city council said the renovation is part of a plan to assess the stadium’s progress over the next 30 years.
Auckland Council’s development arm Eke Panuku is working on a business case for funding to pay for the track, which will be constructed on the site of the greyhound track.
Anna de Roo, head of campaigns at Save Animals from Exploitation (SAFE), said this is a huge win for the animals and the community.
“This is just another indication that the social license for greyhound racing has and indeed has expired. From our political leaders at the table to our local communities, the sentiment of New Zealanders is clear: the time for greyhound racing is over.
“New Zealand is one of the few countries that legally dog racing for advertising purposes. The industry here is hugely unpopular, with 74 per cent of New Zealanders saying they would vote to ban greyhound racing in a referendum,” he said.
De Roo said a percentage of the greyhounds from last racing season were injured.
Meanwhile, Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief operating officer Liz Whelan said the site’s master plan had been adopted.
However, Whelan said implementation dates have yet to be confirmed.
He said negotiations were underway between the Auckland Greyhound Racing Club and Auckland City Council.
The council said its hire was working with the club to move racing away from the stadium and make progression on the track possible.
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