As secretary manager of the local greyhound racing club Glenn Midson says, the actions of a few have tarnished the entire industry. His disgust at the revelations is genuine because they threaten the survival of the industry to which he has devoted so much of his life.

Mr Midson makes another very good point – that it is impossible to know with any certainty what happens away from public scrutiny on private land. 

What is important is that this horrific and inhumane practice has been brought to light and efforts to stamp it out have begun. 

However, the greyhound racing industry will have an enormous challenge ahead to overcome the widespread revulsion the scandal has triggered and the lingering suspicion that the practice will continue at the hands of unscrupulous trainers.

Several commentators on our website have expressed shock the live-baiting they thought had been ended some four decades ago was still being practised. Some have gone as far to suggest greyhound racing and indeed any sport where money is wagered on animals should be ended. 

That is an extreme measure that is unlikely to be taken. However, it is a reasonable expectation that the body governing the greyhound industry, whose entire board has stepped down in the wake of the scandal, present to the community a credible plan of action that will restore confidence. That will be no easy task.