Liberal Party leader Mike Baird his Nationals counterpart Troy Grant released a joint statement in the hours after a bill banning greyhound racing from July 1, 2017 passed through the NSW lower house.

The 48-35 result of the parliamentary vote means that, pending a legal challenge, greyhound participants in the state have less than a year until it becomes illegal to run a dog race in NSW.

“I am pleased the Parliament has strongly supported the Government’s decision, because it is the right one, even though it has been a difficult one,” Mr Baird said in the statement.

“The Bill is the direct consequence of the Special Commission, which found compelling evidence of systemic animal cruelty in greyhound racing and concluded there was a culture of cover-up that gave no comfort to those who hoped it could be reformed.”

Mr Baird reaffirmed his position in a Facebook post.

“When I came into politics, I never envisaged having to make a decision like this one,” he said.

“But I also didn’t come into politics just to make the easy decisions or to kick the big problems down the road. Too often governments put confronting problems in the too hard basket.”

Mr Grant, whose portfolio covers not only the role of Deputy Premier but also Racing Minister and Member for Dubbo, said his focus is on helping transition participants through the shutdown.

“Dr John Keniry is travelling across the state to consult with industry members and find out what financial and other support they need to transition themselves and their dogs out of the industry,’’ he said.