A top greyhound trainer at the centre of claims he's been live-baiting his racing dogs was also investigated over live-baiting two years ago.
But the industry's investigative body - the Racing Integrity Unit - says it couldn't find enough evidence to back up the allegations.
Brendon Cole is at the centre of an SPCA investigation over images, which show him attaching what appears to be an animal to a lure arm on a training track.
Using live or dead animals to train dogs is forbidden.
Racing Minister Winston Peters is watching with interest.
"If he is, in fact, guilty of that, then there will be severe ramifications," he said.
This is the second occasion Mr Cole has been investigated for live-baiting. Newshub spoke to one of his former workers, who said he was approached by the Racing Integrity Unit.
"I was approached in the wake of the scandal in Australia," they said.
"I received a phone call from someone in the Racing Integrity Unit and I basically told him what I saw at Brendon Cole's place."
He said he told the integrity unit he saw live chickens being routinely used as live bait on the Cole property.
But after telling them that, he said he didn't hear anything further. No one from the unit was willing to be interviewed.
But general manager Mike Godber confirmed to Newshub in an email that they did receive allegations of live-baiting against Mr Cole in 2015.
They did what he described as an "intensive investigation", but found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Graham Clark's been involved in the industry since 1965. He said allegations of live-baiting are as serious as it gets and that Mr Cole should be suspended, while being investigated.
He said if similar photos had emerged in Australia, the authorities would have taken immediate action.
"I know, certainly with the trouble they've had in Australia recently, they would have automatically been suspended and things would have happened very, very quickly," he said.
But the industry says, while the case remains unproven and the SPCA investigation continues, Mr Cole can remain on the track.
"We understand the frustration," said Greyhound Racing NZ CEO Phil Holden.
"We're equally as frustrated. We want a conclusion, so we can deal with it and address it appropriately.
"He's innocent until proven guilty."
Anyone found guilty of live or dead-baiting can be fined or kicked out of the industry.
If you have further information, contact the SPCA confidentially
on (09) 256 7300 or Michael Morrah (michaelmorrah@mediaworks.co.nz).
Newshub.
