The RSPCA discussed concerns about live baiting with greyhound racing officials six years ago, at a time when the sport's chief executive said he had no information the practice was happening, an inquiry has heard.
RSPCA NSW chief inspector David O'Shannessy told the inquiry into the NSW greyhound racing industry that live baiting was discussed at a meeting with greyhound racing officials in 2009, including the difficulties of gathering evidence.
Mr O'Shannessy said his main point of contact at Greyhound Racing NSW had been sustainability and development manager Tony O'Mara.
Former chief executive of GRNSW Brent Hogan, who was stood down from his position in the wake of the February 2015 live baiting scandal, told the inquiry he was not aware in 2009 of his senior managers having concerns about live baiting.
Mr Hogan, making his second appearance after giving evidence last October, said he may or may not have read a 2009 document from Mr O'Mara after a series of public forums with industry participants.
The document included the use of "live" animals in a list of key industry issues.
Mr Hogan told the inquiry he understood this as a reference to the use of dead rabbit carcasses on lures in dog trials.
There was an image problem if members of the public saw trials and might think the animal was alive, he said.
"There had been no information or evidence brought to my attention that indicated that there was an issue that needed to be addressed," Mr Hogan said.
The inquiry heard that in 2009 and 2010 the RSPCA and Greyhound Racing NSW had discussed a memorandum of understanding that would cover sharing of information on investigations.
The talks had led to a draft agreement but nothing was ever formalised.
Counsel assisting the inquiry, Stephen Rushton SC, said the lack of an MoU may have been a problem following a February, 2015 raid by RSPCA officers on a western Sydney track, operated by a man who can only be named as "Mr X".
The track was suspected of being a live baiting venue and RSPCA officers seized a diary containing a list of first names and phone numbers.
Greyhound Racing NSW told the RSPCA privacy laws prevented it identifying the people on the list without a formal request, but the inquiry heard the RSPCA received legal advice that it did not have grounds to make the request.
Mr O'Shannessy also revealed complaints to the RSPCA about greyhound racing soared in the wake of the February, 2015 ABC TV report exposing live baiting.
In 2013/14 there had been 56 complaints involving greyhounds generally, including 27 about racing greyhounds, out of a total 14,498 complaints relating to all animals.
But from July, 2014 until mid-May, 2015, there were 129 complaints about greyhounds including 100 complaints about the racing industry, out of 13,655 in total.
The inquiry has now adjourned.
