Australia's greyhound racing industry was in damage control yesterday after graphic footage showed live piglets, rabbits and possums used as bait to train some of the country's most successful dogs.
An investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed the animals being fixed to mechanical lures before being chased and torn apart during training sessions.
A lure is traditionally an artificial hare or rabbit.
The animal welfare group RSPCA, in conjunction with police in the states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, raided five properties last week after the ABC handed over its evidence ahead of the programme broadcast on Monday.
Australia has one of the largest greyhound racing industries in the world and live baiting has been banned and criminalised for decades.
RSPCA Australia chief executive Heather Neil said the practice appeared to be an entrenched culture where animal cruelty was seen by some as an accepted cost of the sport.