Qantas 'won't ship greyhounds to Asia'

Qantas says it will no longer carry racing greyhounds to Asia following revelations the dogs are being kept in 'prison-like' cells.

Qantas says it will no longer carry racing greyhounds to Asia. (AAP)

Qantas will no longer provide racing greyhound freight services to Asia following revelations the dogs were being kept in horrific conditions.

An investigation by the ABC's 7.30 program this week identified dozens of Australian trainers and owners who had exported dogs that were considered too slow, to countries like Macau and China.

The report revealed the greyhounds were being kept in "prison-like cells", used in illegal race meets and given lethal injections of a pesticide that leaves them writhing in pain when they are no longer needed.

In a post on Twitter on Friday night, Qantas said it would no longer carry greyhounds to Asian countries.

"We share your concerns about the disturbing story that appeared on the 7.30 Report earlier in the week," Qantas said, in response to questions about its policies from animal activists.

"In light of the story we have made the decision to no longer provide racing greyhound freight services to Asia," it said.

Following the expose, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said the government would continue to work with the greyhound industry to find "more effective, evidence-based options" to ensure the welfare of exported Australian greyhounds.