GREYHOUND ADOPTION SOURS OVER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A new greyhound owner’s relationship with the agency that provided her dog has soured over what she sees as a gag clause in the adoption agreement.

The adoption agency, Nightrave Greyhounds, included conditions that adopters must never refer to the dog as a “rescue” nor use the animal to promote anti-greyhound racing causes.

Tess Ford, who adopted her dog in February, believes some kennels may prioritize protecting the reputation of greyhound racing over finding homes for the dogs.

When Ford applied to adopt Spot, a former racing greyhound, she admits she didn’t pay much attention to the adoption terms and conditions.

“I’m one of those people who never reads the fine print. In hindsight, I probably should have,” she said.

Nightrave Greyhounds, while enforcing anti-racing activity conditions, also stated that they are “proudly pro-racing.” Ford, however, claimed she wasn’t made aware of this until a representative from the agency was en route to deliver the greyhound to her.

Upon receiving her new pet, Ford posted on Facebook, raising concerns about the dog’s condition and voicing negative opinions about the racing industry. In response, Nightrave contacted her, demanding the return of the greyhound. When Ford refused, Nightrave’s owner, Rachel Rae, took to Facebook, accusing Ford of being an anti-racing activist and claiming Ford had fabricated her background to orchestrate a premeditated attack on the agency.

Ford denied any hidden agenda, explaining, “I don’t have the capacity to make those kinds of activism decisions. It was just purely because we absolutely love animals and wanted to give one a home.”

This situation has prompted Ford to seek legal advice, despite not having signed any agreements with Nightrave.

Nightrave declined RNZ’s request for an interview or a statement.

Edward Rennell, CEO of Greyhound Racing New Zealand, confirmed that Nightrave had kept the organization updated on the dispute. He emphasized that agencies have the right to impose conditions on adoptions, saying, “It is entirely reasonable to support our industry’s greyhounds from being exploited by anti-racing groups. Misrepresentation of greyhounds, such as using photos of other dogs or media from outside New Zealand, and the ongoing spread of misinformation, is harmful. If an agency wishes to impose conditions on adoptions related to this, that is their prerogative.”

Rennell added that if adopters disagree with these conditions, they are free to approach other agencies.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand works with four adoption agencies: Nightrave, Kiwikiwi Hounds, Mayhounds, and Greyhounds as Pets. Rennell noted that all of these agencies are pro-racing, except for Greyhounds as Pets, which remains neutral.

Mayhounds also has conditions on its website prohibiting the labeling of dogs as rescues or using them in anti-racing activities.

University of Otago law professor Simon Connell explained that while it’s unusual to try and reverse a contract after it’s been completed, it can be challenging to enforce such conditions if no formal agreement was signed. “If the transaction had been handled differently, such as by email or in person, without sitting down and signing an agreement with these conditions clearly stated, there may be a question as to whether those conditions are even part of the agreement.”

Ford believes that the focus of the industry should be on ensuring that retired racing dogs are placed in good homes, rather than prioritizing the reputation of greyhound racing.

The government has committed to ending greyhound racing by August 2026.