With today being the last day before greyhound racing is (thankfully) now banned in Aotearoa, Sianne Dixon-Hall reflects on her beloved Greyhound, Poppy, and what great pets they make. here are approximately 1,300 to 1,400 greyhounds needing adoption in New Zealand following the official closure of the commercial greyhound racing industry. So if you’re thinking about adopting a family pet, as of today there is a greyhound out there waiting to be someone’s best friend.

Pictured: Poppy the Greyhound.

By Sianne Dixon-Hall.

This week, our home is far too quiet and empty. After 12 years as a cherished member of our family, our beautiful greyhound Poppy passed away aged 14. Those sweet nudges for a walk, the clickety clack of her nails on the floor, sprints at the beach, the silly playtimes, and quiet cuddles are now treasured memories that we will never forget.

Yet as we mourn her, I am very aware of the significance of the timing. On April 2, 2026, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Racing Industry Amendment Bill, officially voting to end commercial greyhound racing in Aotearoa by August 1 after years of debate and welfare concerns. But as the racing is about to stop, there is a new challenge, as hundreds of dogs will soon be looking for their forever homes. These dogs have spent their lives being treated as commodities, valued for their speed and profit. For us in the vegetarian community, compassion is a lifestyle, and by adopting one of these special creatures into your life, you are offering it a peaceful retirement and teaching it what it means to be a part of a loving family.

The Perfect Companion

Many assume greyhounds require hours of running, when in reality they prefer a twenty-minute stroll followed by a 20-hour nap. They are naturally clean and quiet, rarely bark, and with their short, fine hair, they don’t shed – making them excellent for indoor living. In addition, they are generally very healthy and walk beautifully on a lead, making them incredibly low maintenance. What makes them most special is the deep bond they develop with their new family and their ability to reflect the energy of the household. You may even experience the famous ‘greyhound lean’- their unique way of leaning their full weight against your legs in a silent, loving hug. Ask any owner; they really are magical, and watching one discover a new life outside of a kennel is extremely heart-warming and rewarding.

Poppy gave us over 12 years of unconditional love and taught us that the most rewarding companions are those who have been given a second chance. If you have room in your heart and home, please look into adopting through agencies like Greyhounds as Pets (GAP). Let’s make sure that in this new, racing-free New Zealand, every Poppy out there finds the retirement they deserve.

Below are some great organisations to start your adoption journey:

Greyhounds As Pets (GAP): The primary industry-backed charitable rehoming program.
Mayhounds: A dedicated trust assisting with hound placement.
Nightrave Greyhounds: An adoption group helping transition dogs to retirement.
Kiwikiwi Hounds: An independent adoption network matching dogs with families.
SPCA New Zealand :Assisting with general intake, welfare, and rehoming pathways.

This article was first published in the Winter 2026 edition of Vegetarian Living by the NZ Vegetarian Society. To subscribe go to vegetarian.org.nz