Mr Roberts was at a Southland Greyhound Racing Club meeting in Invercargill yesterday and said the decision to end greyhound racing in New Zealand had left people stunned.
"In my opinion as a trainer, Winston Peters has put no thought into this process whatsoever because he is saying racing is going to close on August 1, 2026, which is 20 months away," he said
"People have lost livelihoods; their lives have changed forever. And the most disappointing and disgraceful thing I find as a trainer is that [Greyhound Racing NZ] had no knowledge of this whatsoever. There was no communications with GRNZ that this was going to happen and that’s disgraceful, absolutely disgraceful behaviour from the minister."
Mr Peters announced yesterday the sport would be banned, saying the industry had run its course and a ban on racing was the "tough but correct decision".
Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief executive Edward Rennell said the organisation was devastated by the news.
"We believe that greyhound racing as an industry has taken huge, huge strides over the last two years and is leading the way in the racing industry from an animal welfare perspective, so the decision today is clearly very disappointing."
The New Zealand Veterinary Association supported the government’s decision.
"We had advocated for measurable and sustained improvement in the welfare and proper care of greyhounds. Some progress had been made by the greyhound racing industry, but like the government, we believe this was too little too late," the association said in a statement.
Animal rights organisation Safe was elated with the government’s announcement.
"We are relieved the government is finally bringing an end to a practice responsible for the prolonged suffering of thousands of dogs," campaign manager Emma Brodie said.
"Greyhounds will finally have the opportunity to live a life full of love, comfort and safety."
Mr Roberts though said greyhound racing was the most regulated sporting body in the country by a mile.
He said the industry spent $9million a year on its welfare and re-homing programmes.
"That’s nearly half the amount of stake money that we race for. So our commitment to welfare of the greyhounds and re-homing is second to none — it outweighs the thoroughbred and the harness industry by a mile."
Mr Roberts, a multi premiership winner,
believed the new regulations had helped "iron out" areas of concern but there were "rogues in all walks of life and industries".
"There is no place for rogue or scoundrels in our industry any more," Mr Roberts said.
Mr Peters said there were 2900 greyhounds in New Zealand that would need to be re-homed.
But Mr Roberts said the number was much greater.
"There will be a minimum of that because there’s also bitches in pup as we speak and there’s newborn pups as well."
He had 70 dogs on his Canterbury property — 30 race dogs, 20 pups and 10-12 retired dogs.
"We’re holding on to them and looking after them while they’re waiting to be re-homed as pets."
Under Mr Peters’ timeline, pups due to be born would have to immediately be placed into the re-homing pool.
"He’s also given no thought to the fact that there are a thousand-plus workers involved in the industry."
He believed the industry would push back against the government’s decision.
Legislation was rushed through Parliament yesterday that owners could not kill their dogs themselves but the industry said those rules were already in place.
By Toni McDonald
