Greyhound racing has undergone a swift transformation in NSW since almost being banned, the sport's governing body has told a parliamentary inquiry.
Despite frequent characterisation as an "industry", greyhound racing is "first and foremost a largely regional, family-based, wholesome sport" enjoyed by thousands across the state, Greyhound Racing NSW chief executive Robert Macaulay told the hearing on Friday.
The inquiry is focused on the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, which is funded by Greyhound Racing NSW and responsible for regulating racing as well as investigating welfare and integrity concerns.
Former premier Mike Baird announced and then abandoned a ban on greyhound racing in 2016.
The commission started in July 2018 following a recommendation from a reform panel after a live-baiting and euthanasia scandal almost ended the sport in NSW.
It now operates as the most highly regulated racing code in the world, Mr Macaulay said.
"The pace of this transformational change, including cultural and behavioural change, has been swift," he said.
Greens MP Abigail Boyd tabled a collection of photos on Friday from rescue groups she said showed "gaping wounds, untreated broken bones, decaying teeth, flea infestation and starved and emaciated bodies" among 89 per cent of dogs presented.
She questioned whether GRNSW's Greyhounds As Pets program was turning away dogs that don't present in top condition, only taking those they can easily find a home for, and leaving the other dogs to rescue organisations.
GRNSW greyhound development and advocacy general manager Alicia Fuller, in charge of the rehoming of retired dogs through the program, said the dogs did need to meet a standard.
"They need to be prepared to be a pet by their owners," Dr Fuller said.
Dogs can be presented for pet ready assessment as many times as necessary, undergo behavioural assessments and must not be in any pain.
Owners can claim a rebate up to $950 for veterinary work on a dog being rehomed.
"I would suggest that if any of those cases had been presented to the integrity commission, they would have been fully investigated and I hope that's the case," Dr Fuller said.
However, the welfare and integrity commission does need to increase regulation on rehoming organisations, she said.
The swift transformation of the industry has led to unintended consequences, including punishments for participants resulting in lengthy bans from their own homes, Mr Macaulay said.
He has suggested a judiciary similar to the NRL's tribunal, for greyhound racing.
"Justice must be done but it must be seen to be done, it needs to be seen and understood to be just," he said.
Racing regulators were judge, jury and executioner in the current system and there is a perception that does not always deliver a just outcome, Mr Macaulay said.
Friday's hearing was the inquiry's eighth and final before it is set to conclude in late October.
