Investigation underway into live baiting allegations

South Australia's greyhound racing industry has been left in shock after a trainer was suspended amid suspicion of live baiting.

The RSPCA raided the man's property north of Adelaide, in a move which could lead to the state's first prosecution over the practice.

Greyhound Racing SA CEO Bodelle Francis said the organisation was "absolutely disgusted and appalled by the potential allegations of live baiting".

READ MORE: Passenger's shocking luggage discovery after flying with Qantas

"It is certainly not a practice that we accept or condone here in this state," Francis said.

The RSPCA carried out a search at a property north of Adelaide on Wednesday, after a tip off that a trainer had been live baiting in training.

Live baiting is the practice of using small live animals as prey to get greyhounds to run faster.

The RSPCA said several items were seized.

Francis said Greyhound Racing SA had put an immediate suspension on the trainer.

READ MORE: Landlord reveals he owns almost 300 properties during radio debate

"They are pending a mandatory life ban from our racing sport," she said.

The maximum penalties in court include a $50,000 fine or four years in jail.

Live baiting practices were first exposed seven years ago and almost led to the sport being shut down in New South Wales.

However Francis said South Australia's governing body visits every trainer's property at least once within a 12-month period at random.

"This particular participant was visited, as were they by the RSPCA," she said.

READ MORE: AFL legend breaks silence on cruel invasion of privacy

Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds director Kylie Field said raised concerns.

"Once every 12 months is enough time for some pretty sinister behaviour to occur," Field said.

No timeline has been placed on the investigation.