SA doubles live baiting jail term

South Australians caught live baiting in the greyhound industry could spend four years behind bars after the state doubled the sentence.

People could also be fined up to $50,000 if they participate in live baiting, under legislation passed by the South Australian parliament on Thursday.

Previous live baiting penalties included a maximum two-year jail term or a fine of up to $20,000.

"There is no evidence that the practice occurs in South Australia, but we wanted to have the strongest laws and practices to discourage it," he said.

"There is simply no place in civilised society for such appalling methods of training animals."

RSPCA SA last month called for the establishment of an independent greyhound racing industry agency and a public database tracing the lives of racing greyhounds.

Chief Executive Tim Vasudeva said the greyhound racing industry was incapable of self-regulation.

"We don't believe there is any genuine willingness to look at a serious path for reform," he said.