Aussie quick lashes 'disgraceful' greyhounds ban

Australian Test cricketer James Pattinson has slammed the NSW government's decision to ban greyhound racing from July next year.

NSW Premier Mike Baird today announced an end to greyhound racing in 2017 after an inquiry found systemic cruelty in the industry.

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"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," Baird said.

The decision was largely met with a positive response, however Pattinson was quick to slam it on social media.

"Sad day for greyhound lovers and greyhounds today", the 26-year-old posted on Instagram.

"NSW now must ban everything that has anything to do with animal cruelty no more meat, no more leather clothes, no football or cricket what an absolute disgrace these greenies are #hypocrites".

Pattinson's brother Darren is a greyhound owner and trainer. In 2014 oft-injured Pattinson revealed helping his brother with his greyhound duties helped keep him occupied while recovering from stress fractures in his back.

"I was lucky enough that Darren got into the greyhounds so I spent a lot of time each week travelling around with him to the tracks trialling dogs with him and taking the dogs to the races and for walks", Pattinson told Greyhound Racing Victoria.

"It was about the only thing I could do, I could walk down the street with a couple of dogs."

The Special Commission of Inquiry, which handed its findings to the state government last week, found that between 48,000 and 68,000 greyhounds were killed in the last 12 years because they were deemed uncompetitive.

Up to 20 per cent of trainers had engaged in live baiting and 180 greyhounds a year suffered catastrophic injuries during races, such as skull fractures and broken backs, the 800-page report said.

with AAP