It is highly concerning that a secret operation, code-named Project Yard, is investigating claims more than 50 greyhounds have been found in a pit on a property not far from Tamworth.

It comes at a bad time for the sport’s proponents hellbent on reversing NSW Premier Mike Baird’s proposed racing ban, as he is expected to hand down results as early as this afternoon after a cabinet meeting, scheduled for today.

The industry has fought tooth and nail to keep the sport alive since Mr Baird announced plans in July to outlaw it by mid-next year. 

Gunnedah-based Greyhound Breeders Owners & Trainers Association chair Geoff Rose told The Leader he doubted any such incident would have happened after the industry started reforming itself last year – if it turned out to be true at all.

But a Greyhound Racing NSW spokesperson confirmed to Fairfax Media it was investigating conduct allegations.

There is no denying the sport has had its fair share of problems. 

A Special Commission of Inquiry found “overwhelming evidence of systemic animal cruelty, including mass greyhound killings and live baiting”.

It also revealed that between 48,000 and 68,000 greyhounds – or at least half of all greyhound bred to race – were killed in the last 12 years, because they were deemed “uncompetitive”.

But every sport has its rotten eggs. 

The greyhound industry has made a genuine effort to reform itself since ABC program Four Corners led an investigation into the sport in February, last year.

Many local trainers, owners and breeders rely on the sport for a living. Banning it would rob them of their livelihood. It hardly seems fair a whole industry could be wiped out based on the actions of a minority.

But those in the industry have been granted a wave of hope in recent weeks as speculation mounts that the state government will reverse or water down its ban on the sport. The region welcomed back its first greyhound meet in Gunnedah on Saturday since the ban was announced, with a strong showing a nod to the support for the industry. With ongoing reforms and more stringent practices, we can only hope the sport is allowed to continue.