In a cynical press release on Wednesday, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) notified journalists it supported the ban on greyhound racing in NSW.

"The AVA, the peak body for veterinarians, have supported the move by NSW to ban greyhound racing while also expressing concern about the animals affected," the statement read.

Why the belated concern for greyhounds from the RSPCA and AVA? Credit:Getty Images

One should ask – why now? Why this belated support for the animals after the NSW government acted? If the AVA, or AVA members, had concerns over the welfare of greyhounds, surely they should have voiced concerns earlier. After all, it is the role of veterinarians to look after and protect the welfare of animals.

Surely veterinarians, the AVA and the RSPCA should have done more, earlier, rather than wait until this endemic and systematic cruelty was exposed by Four Corners.