New South Wales has decided to put an end to greyhound racing, declaring it illegal across the state as of July 1 next year, Premier Mike Baird has announced.

“In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs, I can today announce that NSW is putting an end to greyhound racing,” said Mr Baird.

Twelve months after its establishment, a report by the Special Commission of Inquiry into the sport has revealed that between 48,891 and 68,448 dogs were killed over the past 12 years, considered unsuitable for racing.

The report also brought Greyhound Racing NSW under fire, claiming that the organisation had adopted a policy of deliberately misreporting the extent of injuries the greyhounds experienced when racing, including skull fractures and broken backs.

While Greyhound Racing NSW is yet to comment on the ban, according to AAP, it has since updated its website with a flyer outlining the reform that had occurred between February 2015 and February 2016.

However, the report, conducted by former High Court Judge Michael McHugh, concluded the greyhound industry was incapable of reform and that the benefits do not in fact outweigh the shortcomings.

“It appears unlikely that the issue of the large-scale killing of healthy greyhounds by the industry can be addressed successfully in the future,” said the report.

In a Facebook post by Mr Baird, he took the opportunity to express his “empathy” for trainers and others who are a part of the sport and face losing their job and hobby. Over 1,000 jobs are sustained by the industry and there are nearly 6,000 registered owners of greyhounds.

“Over the coming months, we will consult with the industry to help minimise the pain as best we can for the innocent industry participants as we work towards an orderly industry shutdown,” said the premier, adding that a strategy will be developed to work with the RSPCA to manage the welfare of existing greyhounds.

“I understand the disappointment of people who enjoy having a punt on the dogs. But we simply cannot and will not stand by and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals,” said Mr Baird.

At this stage the Victorian government has no plans to ban greyhound racing.