New South Wales will ban Greyhound Racing from July 2017, after a state parliamentary inquiry found overwhelming evidence of animal cruelty.  Premier Mike Baird says the "widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals" cannot be tolerated.

The inquiry, led by Commissioner Michael McHugh, released its report last week.  It stated that as many as 68,000 greyhounds were killed in the state in the past 12 years because they were deemed uncompetitive.  180 greyhounds sustained "catastrophic injuries" during races, such as skull fractures and broken backs that resulted in their immediate deaths.  And it also found that 20 percent of trainers engaged in "live baiting", or feeding live animals to the dogs. 

"In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity," said Baird, "I can today announce an end to greyhound racing."

NewSouth Wales is the first state in the country to ban Greyhound racing.  nimal welfare groups in Queensland are now calling for a similar ban in that state.  Fairfax media reports Greyhound racing is also banned in 38 US states, as well as in South Africa and Italy.