SYDNEY, July 12 (Xinhua) -- A grave of greyhounds has been found at the property of a licensed dog trainer in a suburb of Sydney, in the latest case of alleged cruelty in the controversial racing industry, an Australian animal welfare group said on Thursday.
Animal inspectors unearthed the remains of at least nine greyhounds at the city's Marsden Park area earlier this month, with more than 10 other sick and emaciated dogs found, the RSPCA NSW nonprofit group said in a statement.
The dogs have been surrendered to the group, which said it is investigating the serious alleged animal cruelty cases with help from the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission.
The commission is the independent regulator of New South Wales state's greyhound racing industry and began operations this month in line with efforts to improve the welfare of the animals.
The latest discovery about alleged cruelty in the industry comes about two years after the state's then-premier Mike Baird banned greyhound racing but soon reversed it amid heated debate about the practice.
Penalties for animal cruelty offenses in the state include a maximum jail term of two years and fine of 22,000 Australian dollars (16,250 U.S. dollars).
