Disgraced greyhound trainer Tom Noble's avoidance of jail for live baiting has been slammed by the RSPCA who says it sets a "worrying precedent" for animal cruelty charges.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty has registered the organisation's disgust after the Queensland Court of Appeal upheld a non-custodial sentence for Noble, for using possums, piglets and rabbits as live bait.

Greyhound trainer Tom Noble was charged with animal cruelty but has avoided jail. Credit:Jorge Branco

Sixty-nine-year-old Noble was last year sentenced to three years imprisonment but wholly suspended for five years, due to serious health issues and his role as carer for his severely ill wife.

The state government launched an appeal, arguing the sentence was "manifestly inadequate" and calling for him to spend actual time behind bars.