NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced a ban on greyhound racing, after the state government considered an 800-page report tabled by a Special Commission into "widespread cruelty" in the industry.
Former High Court judge Michael McHugh oversaw the Special Commission - which was sparked in the wake of ABC's Four Corners investigation to the industry - and presented his report to Deputy Premier and Racing Minister Troy Grant last month.
In a media release and Facebook post on Thursday morning, Mr Baird said the government planned to close down the industry which directly employs more than 1000 people.
The report found that between 48,000 and 68,000 greyhounds - or almost half of all greyhounds bred to race - were killed in the past 12 years because they were deemed uncompetitive.
"In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs, I can today announce that NSW is putting an end to greyhound racing," Mr Baird announced on his Facebook page.
"One of the issues we have had to wrestle with is the positive impact of the greyhound racing industry. There are over 1000 direct jobs in the industry and nearly 6000 registered owners of greyhounds. Dog racing can be an important part of the social fabric of regional towns. And, of course, having a punt on the dogs over a few beers is good fun for many people.
"So, as Mr McHugh asked, do such benefits of the dog racing industry outweigh the shortcomings? Based on this report, the Government believes they do not. Greyhound racing has been banned in many countries and many states of the US and is legal in only eight countries around the world. NSW will be the first state in Australia to ban it."
- Sydney Morning Herald
