NSW bans greyhound racing after live baiting scandal

(Four Corners)
(Four Corners)

The New South Wales government has announced it will ban all greyhound racing in the state from next year. 

Premier Mike Baird described a special commission report into the industry as "chilling, confronting and horrific."

Last year, Australian television investigation programme Four Corners uncovered the practice of live baiting in Australia's greyhound racing industry.  - 

Live piglets, rabbits, possums and even kittens were being used to blood dogs in training, a barbaric practice that's been banned for decades.

Hidden cameras from the Four Corners programme captured illegal live baiting taking place, and the shocking images led to the banning of several high profile trainers across Australia.

An estimated 4 billion dollars is wagered on greyhound racing in Australia each year.

NSW Premier Baird also stated that the ban relates to the mass killing of greyhounds which are considered too slow to pay their way. It's estimated 70,000 dogs may have been killed in the last 12 years.

Newshub has approached New Zealand Greyhound Racing and is waiting for a response.

Newshub.