The New South Wales Government has announced it will shut down greyhound racing in the state from July 1 next year.

The decision follows a special commission of inquiry into the industry which found overwhelming evidence of systemic animal cruelty, including mass greyhound killings and live baiting.

Inquiry Commissioner Michael McHugh has recommended Parliament considers whether the industry had lost its “social licence” to operate and should be shut down. If the industry continued, his alterative recommendation is extensive reform including tighter regulation, but Mr McHugh stated there was a “very real risk” that practices such as live baiting would continue.

New South Wales premier Mike Baird tweeted that the NSW government will “consult with the industry (greyhound racing) to help minimise the pain” as best it can.

“We will develop a strategy to work with the RSPCA to manage the welfare of existing greyhounds,” Mr Baird said in the tweet.

“The transition arrangement for Greyhound Racing NSW assets (like greyhound racing tracks) will ensure they are used for open public space, alternative sports facilities or other community use.

“I feel much empathy for innocent trainers and those who will lose their job or hobby as a result of this.

“And I understand the disappointment of people who enjoy having a punt on the dogs. But we simply cannot and will not stand-by and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals.”

NSW will be the first Australian state to ban greyhound racing.

– TiVi Tuan-san