Greyhound trainers Tony and Lisa Rasmussen facing racing charges over shocking drone footage of dogs being kicked

One of the state’s most prominent greyhound trainers and his wife have been charged with a dozen racing offences by stewards over shocking footage showing dogs being kicked and flung around.

One of he state’s most prominent greyhound trainers and his wife have been charged with a dozen offences over shocking footage showing dogs in their care being kicked and flung around.

Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) stewards on Friday laid 12 charges under the Greyhounds Australasia Rules and Local Rules of racing against Tony Rasmussen and his wife Lisa after an investigation into the footage.

Mr Rasmussen was charged with five counts of ill treatment of a greyhound, one count of fail to exercise care and supervision of a greyhound to prevent pain or suffering, one count of cause or permit on premises a condition dangerous to health, welfare or safety of a greyhound and one count of conduct detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing.

Ms Rasmussen was charged with one count of ill treatment of a greyhound, one count of fail to exercise care and supervision of a greyhound to prevent pain or suffering, one count of cause or permit on premises a condition dangerous to health, welfare or safety of a greyhound and one count of conduct detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing.

Greyhound trainer Tony Rasmussen and his wife Lisa have been charged with a dozen offences over shocking footage showing dogs in their care being kicked and flung around. Picture: Greyhound Racing SA

It is the first time the charges have been laid in South Australia.

Mr Rasmussen and Ms Rasmussen have not been charged by police with any criminal offences.

Mr Rasmussen was last year named the TAB Leading Trainer of the Year for the seventh consecutive year.

The footage was taken at the Rasmussens’ property near Murray Bridge.

Mr Rasmussen told the ABC earlier this week the person in the footage was a former employee and he was dealing with the matter internally.

The matter will be heard by the Integrity Hearings Panel, the independent body convened by GRSA at a later date.

Two greyhound trainers have been charged after footage was aired of Picture: ABC

Anyone in South Australia found guilty of ill-treating a greyhound faces a minimum of two years disqualification as well as a loss of registration for 10 years from the date of conviction.

Mr Rasmussen and Ms Rasmussen remain suspended indefinitely.

GRSA chief executive Bodelle Francis said she commended stewards for their swift and decisive action and for completing a thorough investigation.

Ms Francis said she was “angry” when she viewed the shocking footage.

“I was angry like everyone should be angry and I was incredibly disappointed.”

Ms Francis said at least half the dogs had been removed from the property and no dogs at the property had suffered any injuries.

She said there was no evidence to indicate there would be further charges laid against anyone.

It comes after the RSPCA revealed it was taking action over the shocking drone video of violence towards greyhounds at the training facility.

While applauding the independent inquiry into the industry, the RSPCA has also called for tougher regulations.

Following the emergence this week of horrifying footage of greyhounds being apparently kicked and punched at a racing facility in Murray Bridge, the RSPCA has launched an investigation.

The organisation says it has been advised the footage was captured over a 17-day period in June and early July this year.

“RSPCA inspectors are now assessing the footage to determine the most appropriate actions,” the statement said.

“At this early stage of the investigation, the identities of those in the footage has not been confirmed. As this is an active investigation, no further comment in relation to it will be provided.”

A man at the Murray Bridge property kicks out at a cowering greyhound. Picture: ABC

Premier Peter Malinauskas ordered an independent inquiry into the greyhound racing industry after seeing the footage of a man allegedly kicking and punching a dog at the Rasmussen’s Murray Bridge property.

South Australian is the only state in the country that has a self-regulated greyhound racing industry.

Mr Malinauskas said he was “really angry about it” after watching the footage and pledged to announce within a month who will lead the inquiry and the terms of reference.

RSPCA SA has previously advocated for independent oversight of the industry – as happens interstate – to be implemented in South Australia.

They believe the industry should be regulated by a body unrelated to the industry’s commercial functions, adopt a compulsory animal welfare standards, a birth-to-death traceability system, and a process to address “wastage” caused by overbreeding.

The RSPCA urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to call 1300 477 722.