Goulburn Greyhound Racing Club board member Graeme Wood estimated there were more than 30 trainers in the district.

Mr Wood was a bookmaker at the local track until a couple of years ago and while this was not his main source of livelihood, it was a family interest.

He did not know how long the club had been going, but his father had talked about greyhound races at Seiffert Oval, possibly held as far back as the 1930s.

"I am concerned for the many trainers who earn their living from the industry," Mr Wood said. "They are mostly good, honest people who care greatly about the welfare of the animals in their care. The personal impact on these people will be terrible."

Reasons Mr Baird cited for shutting down "widespread illegal and unconscionable activity" in the industry included: mass killing of greyhounds considered 'too slow to pay their way'; illegal live baiting; public deception over dog deaths and injuries; and a lack of industry self-reform.

"More than a year ago, we established a Special Commission of Inquiry into the greyhound industry after very disturbing reports emerged of cruelty to animals and other illegal activities," Mr Baird said in a statement. "We have now received the report of the Commission, conducted by former High Court Judge Michael McHugh, and the findings are damning."

He acknowledged the "positive impact of the greyhound racing industry ... over 1000 direct jobs and nearly 6000 registered owners".

"Dog racing can be an important part of the social fabric of regional towns. And, of course, having a punt on the dogs over a few beers is good fun for many people," Mr Baird said.

But "do such benefits of the dog racing industry outweigh the shortcomings? Based on this report, the Government believes they do not."

Local bookmaker Errol Warren was introduced to the industry by Max Tyler in the 1960s and it has been a way of life for his family ever since. His wife Denice is a trainer and they love their animals.

"I am absolutely shocked," Mr Warren said on hearing the announcement. "I can't believe it. It has been a way of life for us. Denice loves training her dogs and they love to get out on the track and race, they really look forward to race day. They are really such gentle animals, too.

"Goulburn Club has been having 11 races regularly on its program and there are way more nominations than there are places available in the programs for all the dogs that are nominated.

"I am concerned, too, for the many country towns that rely on the greyhound races each week, not only as a source of income from visiting trainers and owners, but also as a social meeting point for the town folk.

"There are hundreds of young trainers just getting into the industry as well as old folk in their 80s with just a couple of dogs for whom it is a way of life and not just a source of income.

"The impact of this decision has not been thought through. Why should the 95 per cent of good, caring trainers who are concerned about animal welfare be penalised because of a few bad ones? Why was something not done sooner to get rid of those bringing the industry into disrepute? Trainers found to have done the wrong thing lose their right to train for life.

"I think it is a huge overreaction to close down an industry affecting so many small people and their way of life just because of a few."

Cr Margaret O’Neill, who has chaired the Recreation Area committee for many years, said she was gutted by the decision. She spoke to several people in the industry and Goulburn Greyhounds committee members on hearing Mr Baird’s announcement. 

“It’s devastating for Goulburn, not only for the loss of the racing but the employment and economic spinoffs,” she said. 

“I always say, when you spend a dollar it spreads around the community six times; it affects the whole town.”

Cr O’Neill said the decision was especially disappointing, given that Greyhound Racing NSW and Goulburn Greyhounds had pumped a lot of money into the local facilities to bring them up to TAB standard. The council and the State Government had also channelled significant funds into improvements.

In 2012, the state, the council and GRNSW equally funded an $850,000 upgrade, including track and kennel improvements and a judge’s tower, equipping it for Sky broadcasts.

Cr O’Neill told the Post the industry was “squeaky clean” in this area and the decision was highly unfortunate for the numerous “good and genuine people” who abided by regulations.

She anticipated “a few court cases” over the decision. Once fully briefed, Cr O’Neill intends to take up the issue with Goulburn MP Pru Goward.

“I’ll be seeing what she can do for us, because it’s a big industry for Goulburn,” she said.

Greyhound Racing NSW has suspended all racing for the next seven days.