Rallies have been held across the country calling for an end to greyhound racing, with hundreds turning out in Canberra, Sydney, Hobart and Adelaide.

Key points: Rallies held across the country to call for an end to greyhound racing

Rallies held across the country to call for an end to greyhound racing ABC investigation uncovered evidence of live baiting in secret training sessions

ABC investigation uncovered evidence of live baiting in secret training sessions Industry defends practices, says it has renewed focus on animal welfare

The rallies were timed to precede the outcome of a New South Wales special commission greyhound racing inquiry, expected in March.

It comes after an investigation by the ABC's Four Corners program last year showed evidence of live baiting during secret training sessions.

Ahead of the Canberra rally, Tammy Ven Dange from the RSPCA's ACT branch said the sport had a poor animal welfare record.

"We're asking the ACT Government to shut it down," she said.

"A lot of people would say there are many good reasons to keep it going, but in the ACT there really aren't."

Ms Ven Dange said despite the attention paid to the practice of live baiting, it was not the greatest animal welfare issue rampant in the sport.

"About 94 per cent of the animals that are bred each year are actually put down, if we thought about any other breed that would be ridiculous," she said.

She said greyhound racing in the ACT should be stopped, as most participants were registered outside of the territory and said it did not make sense that the ACT Government provided funding to the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club.

"The majority of the members are not even from the ACT, they're mostly from New South Wales. Every registered breeder and trainer is from NSW," she said.

However the ACT's newly appointed Racing and Gaming Minister Mick Gentleman said the Government had no plans to change arrangements with the greyhound industry.

"If they're working appropriately and within the law then there's no reason they shouldn't continue," he said.

"We currently have a memo of understanding with the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club, that's to ensure its operations are conducted professionally and within the territory's law."

"The Government cares deeply about ensuring the safety and welfare of all animals, including those that are part of the racing industry."

The ABC has contacted the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club for comment.

Protesters bring rehabilitated greyhounds to rallies

Caroline Hoetzer and rescued greyhound Millie attend the Sydney rally. ( ABC: Jean Kennedy )

Hundreds of protesters and their dogs also attended large rallies in Sydney, Hobart and Adelaide.

About 300 people gathered in Hyde Park for the Sydney rally.

Shan Patterson from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds said the races should be stopped.

"The dogs are dying while they're trying to keep this industry alive. It should be the other way around — this industry has to die out," she said.

In Adelaide, about 100 people gathered on the steps of Parliament House.

SA Greens MLC Tammy Franks addresses an anti-greyhound racing rally in front of Adelaide's Parliament House. ( ABC: Rebecca Opie )

Several brought their own greyhounds along to advocate for the dogs to be rehabilitated and adopted.

South Australian Greens MLC Tammy Franks said the turnout at the rally showed community attitudes towards the sport had changed.

"The problem is the greyhound racing industry hasn't changed and it's out of step with community attitudes," she said.

"We want independent regulation of the industry."

A protest in Perth attracted about 300 people to Fremantle's Kings Square, with WA Greens senator Rachel Siewart among those to address the crowd.

In Hobart, about 300 people attended a rally, with some also bringing their pets.

Industry defends racing practices

Hundreds gathered with their greyhounds at a rally in South Bank, Brisbane. ( ABC News: Andrew Kos )

Graeme Barber, chairman of the Greyhound Owners, Trainers and Breeders Association of Tasmania said the sport was well regulated.

He said anyone found to be doing the wrong thing was quickly discovered and removed from the industry.

"Tasmanian greyhound racing participants are committed to and look after their dogs," he said.

"We do it for the love of it."

Crowds chanted "pets, not bets" at the rally in Brisbane. ( ABC News: Andrew Kos )

He said the industry injected millions into Tasmania's economy and directly employed about 100 people.

Earlier this week, Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) chair Bernie Carolan told the ABC he was mindful of some people's concerns around the sport.

"As an organisation GRV is currently overhauling its business and is working extremely hard to reform a sport that employs more than 3,000 people and works with hundreds of volunteers," he said.

"Animal welfare is now a leading priority throughout all GRV's functions and operations, with GRV continuing to strengthen its investigate and compliance capabilities."



Racing Queensland said it supported the rights of groups to voice their opinions, but rejected claims the industry should be shut down.

"From the moment the vile act of live baiting was uncovered, Racing Queensland commenced a program to eradicate the practice and address issues around animal welfare in greyhound racing," a spokesman said.

"Racing Queensland has been working closely with the industry to enforce change on the topic of animal welfare and has witnessed a genuine desire among participants to rid the sport of animal cruelty."