ANIMAL welfare campaigners have called on the government to emulate New Zealand’s decision to outlaw greyhound racing.

The ban will come into force in 2026, allowing time for the greyhounds to be rehomed, and will leave only four countries across the world still allowing the sport.

Last year, 109 greyhounds died on tracks and 4,238 were injured.

A further 55 were euthanised after being designated unsuitable for racing.

Since 2017, 1,234 greyhounds have died on the tracks.

League Against Cruel Sports head of campaigns Emma Judd said: “Greyhound racing on oval tracks at great speeds is inherently unsafe, with dogs being sacrificed simply for the profits of the gambling industry.

“With greyhound racing now taking place in only four countries, it’s time for the UK government to step in and ban it and prove it is serious about its promise to improve animal welfare in this country.

“The greyhound industry has a callous disregard for the lives of racing greyhounds, so we are calling for the ‘sport’ to be phased out and the animals given new loving homes with families.”