Inquiry into South Australia's greyhound industry after sickening footage emerges

The state’s greyhound industry will be scrutinised after horrifying footage of dogs being hit and kicked emerged. Warning: Confronting content

Premier Peter Malinauskas will launch an independent inquiry into the greyhound racing industry in South Australia after watching footage of a man allegedly kicking and punching a dog.

Mr Malinauskas watched the footage this morning and told reporters he would announce within a month who would lead the inquiry, and the terms of reference.

“I’m really angry about it,” he said of the disturbing footage of apparent cruelty towards multiple dogs, which was first reported by the ABC.

“It’s patently inhumane and it needs a strong response. The book needs to be thrown at this individual for what they have done. We were told that this type of behaviour didn’t happen and now we find out that it does.

“I can’t rely on those assurances anymore when we see footage like this.”

Angry: Premier Peter Malinauskas has called for an independent inquiry into SA’s greyhound racing industry. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Trainer Tony Rasmussen said the man in question no longer worked for him. Picture: Greyhound Racing SA

Mr Malinauskas said he suspected the person in the footage was “a bad apple” but it “runs the risk of spoiling the bunch” and South Australians needed to be confident that the industry was “clean”.

“We need to know whether or not this problem is systemic,” he said.

“I think there will be a lot of people in the industry who will be shocked when they see (the footage).”

Greens Legislative Councillor Tammy Franks said the drone vision – which was released to the ABC and purports to show a man kicking, punching and riding a quad bike at dogs on the property of well-known trainer Tony Rasmussen across a 17-day period – came after a recent live-baiting scandal and controversy surrounding racing dogs in extreme temperatures, and was further proof that the industry was incapable of regulating itself.

Neither Mr Rasmussen nor his wife Lisa is accused of mistreating the animals.

The Advertiser attempted to contact Mr Rasmussen, who told the ABC that the man in question no longer worked for him and that he was dealing with the matter internally.

Drone vision released to the ABC shows a man kicking, punching and riding a quad bike at dogs on the property of well-known trainer.

Ms Franks described the footage as “sickening”.

“I don’t think anyone could watch that footage without feeling sickened, disgusted and appalled” she said, adding that she welcomed news of the inquiry.

“We have an industry that regulates itself, so we really don’t know (how often these incidents are happening).

“They raced dogs in 41-degree heat over summer and it was only community pressure that changed that practice, and it’s the only greyhound industry in the country that hasn’t had an independent or parliamentary inquiry into it following the Four Corners expose (into live baiting practices).”

Greyhound Racing South Australia said two trainers on the property had been suspended, pending a formal interview.

“Given the suspension of the trainers, the dogs will be removed from the property and placed at other training facilities over the coming days,” a spokesperson said.

“Like everyone, we are appalled by this vision as it goes against everything we stand for as a sporting community.

“GRSA animal welfare officers inspected the property this morning and are satisfied with the current welfare of all dogs.”

The spokesperson said GRSA welcomed the inquiry into greyhound racing in SA.

“We believe our track record over recent years demonstrates our ability to effectively administer the rules of racing, but we are always looking for ways to improve in line with our commitments to welfare, transparency and accountability.”

No criminal charges have been laid.