The greyhound racing industry says animal welfare is at the heart of its industry after renewed calls to cancel the sport.
The industry was put under the spotlight after two dogs died within two weeks as well as a looming announcement from Racing Minister Winston Peters on the industry's fate.
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) CEO Edward Rennell said significant improvements have been made to improve animal welfare in the sport.
Rennell joined AM on Wednesday after the show heard from SAFE campaign manager Emma Brodie who claimed the dogs were being exposed to harmful substances like methamphetamine and neglect or confinement in kennels. Newshub has previously reported on several cases where greyhounds were found to have meth in their systems.
However, Rennell said the claims were "completely wrong".
"We have welfare standards that every trainer has to comply with [and a] welfare code from MPI. Our greyhounds are some of the best cared for and most regulated dogs in New Zealand," Rennell told AM co-host Amanda Gillies.
He said the number of race-day euthanasia had dropped from an average of around 60 deaths four years ago to seven last year and nine this year so far. He also said the rate of serious injuries is seven per 1000 dogs.
"We've made significant improvements to try and improve and ensure that animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do," Rennell said.
Newshub reported last month that Peters would make a call on the industry's future soon.
Newshub obtained briefings on the sport which showed Peters has already been presented with three options. These include letting the industry continue with no changes, bringing in new restrictions and regulations or closing the industry completely.
New Zealand is among just seven countries where greyhound racing is still legal. Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland still allow greyhound racing.
The sport is permitted in some states in the United States. Mexico has just one track, and in Vietnam, while legal, the country has no operating racing tracks at all.
