New Zealand plans to outlaw greyhound racing because too many dogs are hurt or killed, the government said Tuesday, spelling an end to the practice in one of the few countries where it still operates.

"Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high and the time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals," Racing Minister Winston Peters said in a statement on Tuesday.

The New Zealand government on Tuesday proposed to ban greyhound racing from 2026, saying the percentage of dogs injured in races remained significantly high.

The New Zealand government said Tuesday that it would ban greyhound racing starting in 2026, citing concerns over the rate of injuries and fatalities among racing dogs.

However Greyhound Racing New Zealand, an industry association comprising greyhound racing clubs across the country, said it is "devastated" by the govenrment's proposal. "The grey

New Zealand is proposing to ban greyhound racing by 2026 amid persistent concerns over high injury rates among the dogs.

The New Zealand government on Tuesday proposed to ban greyhound racing from 2026, saying the percentage of dogs injured in races remained significantly high. New Zealand's greyhound racing industry has long faced criticism for not doing enough to protect the welfare of the animals,

Time for changes in the approach to dog sports. New Zealand announces a complete ban on greyhound racing. Politicians have noted a concerning rise in animal injuries from participating in these competitions.