SA announces inquiry into greyhound racing industry after shocking footage of abuse emerges

One state has leapt into action, ordering an investigation after shocking footage of animal abuse emerged online.

One state has leapt to action in response to a shocking video which shows racing animals being abused by a trainer.

On Monday, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas announced an inquiry into the culture and practices within the state’s greyhound racing industry.

It comes as just weeks after the ABC obtained footage of a man allegedly kicking and punching a greyhound.

The drone vision shows a person repeatedly abusing a greyhound by kicking it, throwing it and dragging it around a property.

The footage allegedly shows a man kicking a dog. Picture: ABC

An inquiry has been launched into the industry. Picture: ABC

Mr Malinauskas revealed former Victorian police commissioner Graham Ashton would head the inquiry.

“I, like many South Australians, was sickened by the drone footage we saw last month,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“We’ve long been assured that instances like this do not happen in the greyhound racing industry, but in light of the available evidence, we’re not prepared to take those assurances at face value.

“This is not about banning greyhound racing. This is about making sure the industry is clean, well regulated and that animal welfare is of paramount importance.

“We don’t want a few small apples to spoil the crop – animal welfare matters.”

The state government has allocated $200,000 for the inquiry, with a deadline at the end of November.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced an inquiry into the industry. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Mr Ashton told reporters that he expects people involved in the industry would come forward with submissions, but that he is confident the inquiry will be complete by its November 30 deadline.

The former police commissioner was born and raised in SA, with a family history in the racing sector.

He said he was concerned by the “utterly abhorrent” footage.

Former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton will lead the inquiry. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

“I want to hear from all stakeholders across the greyhound racing and animal welfare sectors,” Mr Ashton said.

“I’ll be treating any submissions with the utmost confidentiality.”