The breakaway is being led by the member for Cootamundra, Katrina Hodgkinson, and other regional MPs fearing job losses in their electorates. 

Mr Johnsen admitted an overhaul of industry regulator – Greyhound Racing NSW – was necessary, but said he was not behind a shutdown. 

"I would personally support a reconstituted regulative body with tighter restrictions and more oversight of the greyhound industry," Mr Johnsen said. 

"I am obliged to also note that the report into the industry sadly provides overwhelming evidence that industry itself has been way too slow in acting upon those unscrupulous members of the industry, and whose actions have brought about this proposed ban." 

Ms Hodgkinson has called on Nationals leader and Deputy Premier Troy Grant to give MPs a conscience vote on the legislation, but Mr Johnsen did not directly answer when asked whether he supported a free vote. 

"I think the parliamentary process should play out and members make their decisions based on the debate in the House," he said. 

However he was unequivocal in his support for Mr Grant, following reports suggesting some MPs had called his leadership into question.   

"A strong leader makes decisions based on evidence and the Deputy Premier exemplifies great leadership,” he said. 

Mr Johnsen’s electorate includes greyhound racing tracks at Singleton and Muswellbrook. He said he planned to meet owners and trainers affected by the ban in coming weeks. 

Hunter MLC and member of the Animal Justice Party Mark Pearson said it would be “unwise” for any members of the Nationals to cross the floor over the issue. 

“As the report has shown, the practices are so entrenched and systemic that even with the best will in the world, the greyhound industry cannot save itself,” he said. “The judgement of a civilization, of a society, is how it treats its animals and the vulnerable.”

“Mike Baird, his government, is leading us to a more civilized society.”