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Legislation banning greyhound racing has passed its first reading in Parliament.
The Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the move last December, rushing a change through the same day to stop owners putting the dogs down as a result.
In a statement, Greyhound Racing New Zealand said the bill was a political stunt that would destroy jobs and fail animals.
"The draft legislation confirms this is a government that's given up on fair treatment of New Zealanders to satisfy a prime minister who invented a policy under pressure in an election debate," chief executive Edward Rennell said.
But Peters in his speech at Parliament said greyhound injury rates were too high and the industry had lost its social licence.
"Since 2021 the Greyhound racing industry has beeen on notice after three successive reviews over a decade all found animal welfare concerns and a need for change," he said.
"This decision was not taken lightly ... however it was considered that the rates of dogs being seriously injured remained too high and the improvements made were not significant enough for the industry to retain its social licence."
He said countries around the world were increasingly banning the sport.
The bill passed its first reading unanimously.
It now heads to select committee for public feedback, with a report due back by 13 March.
The ban would take effect from August next year.
