Supreme Court names SA targets in shocking greyhound live baiting investigation

A court has ordered that shocking videos of live rabbits being torn apart by greyhounds can be used in an investigation against three local trainers it has named. WARNING: Graphic content

*WARNING: The following content contains graphic images and details that may distress some readers

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for shocking videos that show live rabbits being torn apart by greyhounds at a northern suburbs training facility to be used as evidence in an investigation into the illegal practice.

In an unprecedented legal move, Greyhound Racing SA applied to the Supreme Court for an order under the Surveillance Devices Act to allow the vision to be used because, although recorded covertly at the Lewiston facility, it was done in the public interest.

GRSA is now using the two videos as evidence in inquiries by the Integrity Hearing Panel and any subsequent appeal to the Racing Appeal Tribunal.

The disturbing vision was covertly recorded at the Bethesda Rd, Lewiston property of trainers Troy Murray, Jackson Murray and Connor Murray last August and anonymously emailed to GRSA – which launched an immediate investigation.

Greyhound Trainer Troy Murray Picture: Supplied

In a coordinated raid with the RSPCA and SAPOL officers several days after receiving the two video files, GRSA investigators attended the property to collect evidence.

On the same day the three trainers’ licences and registrations were suspended by GRSA.

Under GRSA’s Rules of Racing, any participant found to be live baiting greyhounds faces a lifetime ban from the industry. No charges have been laid and the GRSA investigation is ongoing.

In her reasons for granting the order Justice Laura Stein states she is “satisfied that the surveillance device was used in the public interest.’’

“The GRSA accepts the privacy of the interested parties was invaded by the use of a surveillance device,’’ Justice Stein states.

“However, counsel points to the fact the activities were conducted outdoors in the open on a rural property and in circumstances in which the interested parties ought to have known the Rules of Racing prohibited the activities.

“He also noted that the files were limited to the activity in question.’’

In her reasons, which name the three trainers and the location the video was covertly taken, Justice Stein vividly describes the activity.

“The video footage shows two men using live rabbits as lures,’’ she states.

“The video included vision of the first man securing a live rabbit on the lure system, while the second man held two or three greyhounds.

“The lure, with the rabbit attached, then moved around on the rail and, as it came past the second man, he let go of the greyhounds, allowing them to pursue and maul the rabbit.

“The noise, including the sounds of the rabbit, can be heard captured on the footage.’’

A GRSA spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing and it was unknown when any IHP hearings into the matter would be held.

“If confirmed, this would be the first case of live baiting ever recorded in South Australia,’’ the spokesperson said.

“It is an abhorrent practice and has no place in our sport – as such, GRSA is following a strict process to ensure that we are able to enforce the appropriate penalty should the charges be proven.

“GRSA has a proven commitment to animal welfare and the integrity of our sport. We take an absolute zero-tolerance approach to any participant found to be in breach of those standards.’’

Greyhound baiting using a live possum in Victoria. Pic: Supplied

While there have been no proven cases of live baiting greyhounds in SA, several such scandals have erupted in the eastern states – in which live rabbits, possums and piglets were being used – over the past decade with a number of trainers prosecuted and banned from the industry.

Neither Troy, Jackson or Connor Murray - who did not appear or contest GRSA’s Supreme Court application - could be contacted by the Sunday Mail.