Greyhound Racing NSW has uploaded an image detailing how the past year was “12 months of reform” for the industry.

The changes, which stretch from February 2015 to February 2016, include changes to education, research, licensing, re-homing, investigations, breeding, veterinary and general integrity. 

It has also advised anyone grappling with the changes to seek support from services Lifeline (131 114) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). 

A direct response to the statewide ban is yet to come. 

1.55PM

The owner of the NSW TAB, Tabcord Holdings Limited, has played down the impact of today's greyhound racing ban on its national turnover.

"NSW greyhound racing represents around five per cent of Tabcorp’s total wagering turnover," a spokesman said.

"However, Tabcorp expects a significant level of substitution will occur to other wagering product, such as thoroughbred racing, harness racing, sport and animated racing. Tabcorp’s media business, Sky Racing, will work with other Australian and international racing industry bodies to source alternative racing product." 

Here’s an overview on where greyhounds race in the Hunter.

Maitland shares the dubious honour of hosting racing the same day its demise in NSW was announced with Dapto and Casino. 

1.40PM

Trainers across the state are united in their frustration over the decision. 

Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club president Shayne Stiff has labelled the NSW government's decision to shut down the industry as “ludicrous”.

“A few people made the wrong decision but when 20 police officers do the wrong thing they don’t shut the police force down. When priests are caught doing the wrong thing they don’t shut down the catholic church so why are they shutting down this entire industry” he told the Daily Liberal.

Read more here.

1.35PM

One of Greyhound Racing NSW’s last actions before the ban was announced was prohibiting greyhounds running at Kempsey Macleay Greyhound Club “until [the body] is satisfied that issues regarding track safety at the club are adequately addressed”.  

Safety issues including the running rail, track surface and catching pen were identified as putting the animals “at risk of serious injury”.

In its Wednesday statement announcing the sanction Greyhound Racing NSW said it recognised “the future of greyhound racing in NSW is dependent on safeguarding greyhound welfare and that includes making difficult decisions in order to prevent or substantially reduce the risk of on-track injuries and related euthanasia.”

1.30PM

One local former breeder, who "got out" following last year's expose of endemic live-baiting practices, said the ban would affect thousands of jobs and "thousands and thousands" of dogs. 

"They must have thought long and hard about doing this," he said. 

1.15PM

SMH reports: Asked how much in gambling revenue the State Government would forego when the ban is introduced from July 1 next year, NSW Premier Mike Baird responded that the annual figure was about $30 million.

"But this is not an economic decision," he said. 

"This is an animal welfare decision and it's one that is very, very difficult to make, but it's the right thing to do."

Steve Coleman, the CEO of RSPCA NSW, welcomed the ban on greyhound racing in NSW, saying: "This day is historic".

"This day will go down ... as one of the biggest improvements in animal welfare in this state," he said.

"We can only hope that other jurisdictions look upon this decision very, very seriously."

"It's monumental, and I can only hope that this reverberates around the country," he said.

"The only way to stop live-baiting, and we've seen those disgraceful images, is to end greyhound racing, not just in NSW, but indeed the country."

NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant said while greyhound racing would be banned in NSW from July 1, 2017, punters in NSW would still be able to place bets on interstate or international races.

He said the "gaming arrangement wouldn't be impacted in relation to what happens off- shore, interstate".

1PM 

Some of the reaction from social media

12.50PM

Tony Edmunds, the Maitland Greyhound Track operations manager for the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association, says Maitland will "not be commenting locally" on the sport's NSW ban.

Humane Society International says it is “thrilled” with the announcement. 

"HSI have strongly advocated for an end to greyhound racing in NSW and Australia and are excited to have such a tremendous victory for greyhounds today,” director Verna Simpson said.

"We hope that other States will soon follow suit, and we will continue to advocate for a nationwide ban on Greyhound racing.”

The body's Sydney head office has told local branches that chief executive Brenton Scott will release a statement on the ban shortly.

SMH reports NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant has told media the NSW Government would bring in legislation to ban greyhound racing in NSW on the first sitting day.

The changes would ban the "breeding, racing" and presence of greyhounds in NSW.

"I'm asking the industry not to panic," Deputy Premier Troy Grant said.

He said the government had set up a call centre for those seeking more information, on 1800 812 115.

Mr Grant said he understood many people in NSW were "devastated by this news".

He also revealed his cousin worked in the greyhound industry.

"I saw how much love and care he [his cousin] gave to his own greyhound, but there are too many of those in the industry for financial gain and for whatever reason, chose to put animal welfare as their least consideration in their own pursuit of profit."

12.40PM

Brodie Owen: NEWCASTLE trainer Ron Bell says he is in "absolute disbelief" greyhound racing in NSW is set to be shut down.

"I think you can judge by my response that I'm in absolute disbelief," he said.

"We had no idea this was coming - we thought all of this was behind us - I'm absolutely flabbergasted.

"We had reformed. The industry had brought through all these changes and we were moving on. 

"Then they come out of the blue and do this ... people's lives depend on this."

Mr Bell - who is on the board of the Birmingham Gardens greyhound track - said many people would be out of work.

"They are lovely people, but I worry about what's going to happen to them now this has happened. Where are they going to go?" he said.

"The Premier has announced he's going to do this - I hope we fight it, but it seems final. It seems over.

"I just wonder what is going to happen to the horse and trot industry - are they going to be banned as well?"

12.30PM

Greens NSW animal welfare spokeswoman Dr Mehreen Faruqi has dubbed the ban “a win for animals”.

“This is absolutely incredible and in many ways unprecedented news,” she said. 

“Animal welfare activists have worked tirelessly for this outcome for so many years. I must pay credit to the NSW Government for taking this long overdue step.”

She said the decision was a fitting tribute to the late Dr John Kaye, who sought an end to NSW greyhound racing. 

“The report states what many of us already knew; there was no way greyhound racing can operate without the extreme animal cruelty that the Special Commission report has shown,” Dr Faruqi said.

12PM

Dan Proudman: NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced that greyhound racing will be banned in NSW from next year following a damning report on the industry.

Mr Baird said the ban was “in response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs’’, and followed the establishment of a Special Commission of Inquiry into the industry.

The inquiry’s commissioner, the former High Court Judge Michael McHugh, made a series of damning findings in his 800-page report which was also released on Thursday.

The ban will begin from July, 2017.

In a Facebook post, Mr Baird said some of the findings included:

“One of the issues we have had to wrestle with is the positive impact of the greyhound racing industry,’’ Mr Baird said.

“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.

“Over the coming months, we will consult with the industry to help minimise the pain as best we can for the innocent industry participants as we work towards an orderly industry shutdown.

“We will develop a strategy to work with the RSPCA to manage the welfare of existing greyhounds. And 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.”

You can read the full report here: http://www.greyhoundracinginquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au/

More to come