It comes as members of the Wagga industry prepare to take a final stand and fight the proposal by travelling to Orange next month to campaign against the National party in the area’s by-election.

The November state by-election is expected to serve as a litmus test for the prohibition of the sport going ahead after continuing opposition from the industry who have called for more regulation to weed out the few bad eggs.

But Premier Mike Baird and animal rights activists continue to back the ban, saying it is necessary due to evidence of live baiting. 

Wagga racing manager John Patton said he held grave fears for the mental well-being of owners and trainers.

“It will be terrible,” he said.

“I’d hate to think what would happen with people’s mental health if it does go through.”

Mr Patton said he was working hard to find “a rainbow at the end of the tunnel” for those in Wagga’s industry by applying pressure to see the ban overturned.

“I’m concerned about people who have been in the industry all their lives and have done nothing wrong and don’t know what their future holds – they break down on the phone and break down when you see them face to face,” he said. 

“​It doesn’t surprise me because this is their livelihood, this is their hobby, this is everything that they wake up for every day of the week.”

Griffith Suicide Prevention and Support Group’s Val Woodland said the loss of job or livelihood was a common reason that people phoned their crisis line for help. 

“When they lose their livelihood and something that they have been doing for a long time and then suddenly its gone, it certainly does make people unsure of the future,” she said.

“They can easily spiral into depression and that’s when we get calls from them.”

Ms Woodland said there would probably be a higher demand for their service and outlets for trainers and breeders to voice their concerns. 

“Loosing a livelihood like that – where you have no control at all – just signing a form and that’s the end of it can certainly impact their life,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we get more calls from people like that.”

Former member for Wagga and Liberal politician Joe Schipp said he was also fearful for the mental and physical health of those in his old electorate without dog training to fill their day. 

“It gets people out of bed in the morning instead of just sitting around,” he said.