Greyhound Racing NSW pushes for new code

Greyhound Racing NSW has launched a review aimed at creating a single, state-wide code of practice.

The move comes as a commissioner prepares to hand down the findings of a NSW greyhound racing inquiry, which probed evidence of the large-scale destruction of dogs, a widespread cover-up of greyhound deaths, and the use of live rabbits as bait.

Greyhound Racing NSW said there were gaps in existing standards around accommodating, managing and caring for greyhounds.

The racing body said its current codes fail to properly encompass all stages of the greyhound life-cycle, and didn't address critical aspects such as socialisation.

Its review will be aided by an external reference group, which RSPCA NSW declined to participate in.

"This review will lead to a new single code of practice that will more capably support contemporary socialisation, rearing, education and training activities, while better achieving and safeguarding greyhound welfare throughout the greyhound lifecycle," GRNSW chief executive Paul Newson said.

He said the review coincides with work under way to bring in a national licensing scheme from July 2016.

Australia's greyhound racing industry has been under the spotlight for the past 12 months after the airing of footage on ABC's Four Corners program which showed greyhound trainers using live animals as bait.

The NSW greyhound racing inquiry's report is expected to be handed down by the end of March.