In a letter to Mr Baird, Ms Watson said the government’s decision to shut down the greyhound racing industry in NSW from July next year had been made “without any consultation” and had “absolutely gutted those who participate directly in greyhound racing at the Dapto Dogs”.

“The government’s inability to provide any details on what the transition plan involves, how much it cost, and who may or may not be eligible for transition assistance, has so many people in my electorate involved in the greyhound industry feeling uncertain about their future and the future of their greyhounds,” she wrote. 

“It is all very well for the Premier to announce decisions by press release; it is another for Mr Baird to actually have the guts to face people on the ground and understand the depth of feeling from those directly affected by his decision to shut down this industry.” 

Racing at Dapto resumed on Thursday night, following a seven-day, statewide suspension imposed by Greyhound Racing NSW.

Earlier that day, the Baird government announced a Greyhounds Transition Taskforce would “guide the industry to a humane and orderly closure”.

Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra, and Liberal member for Kiama, Gareth Ward said the government was “determined to put a stop to the systemic mistreatment of greyhounds”.

“But we are well aware this brings challenges for the industry and communities across our state,” Mr Ward said.

The government said every cent it received from greyhound betting between now and July 1 next year would fund the industry’s transition. 

Greyhound racing’s knockout blow came after a Special Commission of Inquiry found “overwhelming evidence” of systemic animal cruelty, including mass greyhound killings and live baiting. 

Mr Ward encouraged Illawarra greyhound owners, breeders and trainers to “keep their dogs and care for them”.

“Assistance will be provided for them to do that,” he said.

“The government will also be maximising opportunities to rehome these fantastic animals.”