A landmark inquiry into the embattled greyhound racing industry is set to begin as allegations of integrity and animal welfare issues continue to plague the sport.
Former NSW police commissioner Lea Drake has been appointed acting commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission to lead the inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW.
The inquiry will probe complaints about the organisation's governance and operations, as well as track safety and animal welfare issues.
The hearings, some of which will be closed to the public to ensure witness protection, are set to run from Monday.
Among other private witnesses, NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers' Association CEO Daniel Weizman will give evidence on Tuesday, followed by Edward Rennell and Michael Dorve from Greyhound Racing NZ on Thursday.
In July, NSW Premier Chris Minns ruled out shutting down greyhound racing, but the government said there was still scope for an inquiry
"This is about ensuring that greyhound racing is conducted under the terms of its licence, that it employs best practice and that we have an industry that is viable but has as its main feature animal welfare," Racing Minister David Harris said.
The racing industry body's chief executive, Robert Macaulay, resigned in August after a report by its former chief veterinary officer Alex Brittan became public.
The document included claims greyhound deaths were being hidden, adoption rates exaggerated and dogs pushed to race at levels causing injuries.
Greyhound Racing NSW appointed former Victorian police chief Graham Ashton to investigate Dr Brittan's allegations.
The organisation's acting chief executive Wayne Billett said it looked forward to seeing the inquiry's terms of reference.