The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission is facing a grave situation.
A grave containing the remains of greyhound racing dogs has been uncovered at the property of a licensed dog trainer in a Sydney suburb.
Xinhua news agency reports the discovery is the latest case of alleged cruelty in the controversial greyhound racing industry, an Australian animal welfare group said on Thursday.
In the incident, animal inspectors unearthed the remains of at least nine greyhounds at the city's Marsden Park area earlier this month, it said.
More than 10 sick and emaciated dogs were also found (in the vicinity), the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) New South Wales (NSW), a non-profit group said in a statement.
The news agency said the dogs were surrendered to the group which said it was investigating the serious alleged animal cruelty cases, with help from the commission.
The commission is the independent regulator of NSW state's greyhound racing industry and began operations this month, in line with efforts to improve the welfare of the animals.
The latest discovery on the alleged cruelty in the industry comes about two years after the state's then-premier Mike Baird banned greyhound racing but soon reversed it amid heated debate on the practice.
Penalties for animal cruelty offences in the state include a maximum jail term of two years and fine of 22,000 Australian dollars (US$16,250)
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK
