Speaking in the Parliament, Katrina said she had made the very tough decision - not to vote with Labor but to oppose legislation which would result in the loss of thousands of full-time and part-time jobs in NSW and many more indirect jobs, for no net benefit.

“I voted against the bill on behalf of those who are sick and depressed by this proposed ban and who feel that they have no voice,” Katrina said.

“I did it for the many people who are involved in agriculture in my electorate who are concerned this legislation will undoubtedly be used as a precedent to abolish other existing industries.

“People are angry and hurt about the decision to close the greyhound industry.

“When people have something involuntarily taken from them, when it’s their passion and the reason for getting out of bed in the morning, it is natural for them to get upset or depressed or both, and wonder what’s the point of it all.

“In my electorate, I have greyhound race tracks in Cowra, Temora and Young.

“Locally, clubs use race days as an opportunity to raise money for important charities,

“These people are not criminals and they deeply resent the way in which the advertising campaign that is being funded by the Government implies that they are being cruel to their beloved animals,” she said.

Katrina said she is deeply concerned about the welfare of constituents involved in the greyhound industry as a result of the Government’s decision.

“For many people, owning a couple of greyhound dogs is the norm - it’s their life,” she said.

“They’re good people, the kind you run into at the newsagency in the early morning,”

Members of the community who are feeling depressed about the decision and need someone to talk to should ring Lifeline on 13 11 14.