Fines or Jail for Breeding, Racing, or Selling Greyhounds, and New Administrator for Greyhound Racing NSW
Greyhound Racing Ban Bill 2025
Private Member's BillLegislative Council
Legislative Assembly
Assent
Topics
animal breeding animal welfare betting services criminal penalties dog breeding gambling greyhound racing sports administration
Introduced by: Emma Hurst MLC (AJP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
People cannot keep greyhounds in NSW for racing, run greyhound racing meetings, operate trial tracks, officiate at races, or provide betting services for greyhound racing. These bans start 12 months after the law passes. Breaking these rules can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 penalty units (2026: $110,000) or 2 years jail, or both.
Criminalises breeding or keeping greyhounds for racing in or outside New South Wales. Breeding greyhounds in NSW for racing can lead to a fine of up to 500 penalty units (2026: $55,000) or 12 months jail, or both.
Greyhound owners cannot sell, gift, export, or move their dogs to another state or country for racing. Doing so can lead to a fine of up to 500 penalty units (2026: $55,000) or 12 months jail, or both.
Criminalises the destruction of registered greyhounds or having one killed, carrying a fine of up to 500 penalty units (2026: $55,000) or 12 months jail, or both; however, vets can still euthanise animals to prevent cruelty if the dog is too sick or injured to live.
The Racing Minister must appoint an administrator to take over the management of Greyhound Racing NSW, replacing all board directors and managing the organisation's affairs.
The administrator is not personally liable for actions taken in good faith.
Racecourse licences that allow greyhound racing meetings are cancelled. This takes effect 12 months after the law passes.
The Local Court or Supreme Court can hear these cases. Legal action must start within 3 years of an officer finding evidence of the offence.
News articles and press releases
Greyhound Racing Ban Bill 2025
The Hon. EMMA HURST — 2025-02-12
The bill allows for a transition away from greyhound racing that aligns with the ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand, which is also scheduled to come into effect in 2026. It will also ensure a managed transition, supported by any assistance the New South Wales Government chooses to provide to those affected, including track and venue workers, support staff and other non-racing employees who may be affected by the shutdown.