Paskeville greyhound trainer banned, sentenced for ill-treatment of animals that were euthanased

A greyhound trainer who told the RSPCA he was “waiting for the dog to die” has been banned and sentenced for multiple counts of animal cruelty.

A greyhound trainer who told RSPCA inspectors he was “waiting for the dog to die” has been banned from owning animals and suspended from racing in SA after pleading guilty to animal cruelty.

The 66-year-old man from Paskeville, near Kadina, was sentenced in the Kadina Magistrates Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to five counts of animal ill-treatment.

The court heard the man failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate harm and failed to seek

veterinary treatment for four dogs, two suffering so badly they were put down.

His property was raided multiple times by inspectors and welfare officers before and after the independent inquiry into the greyhound racing industry.

Two six-year-old greyhounds named Lochie (racing name ‘Emerley Senor’) and Archie (‘Kick Up’), were taken from the man by Greyhound Racing SA in June and July 2022, the RSPCA said.

The man also surrendered a 12-year-old greyhound named Ella (‘Don’t Point’) and a 15-year-old labrador named Gabby to an RSPCA inspector in May this year.

The RSPCA said Greyhound Racing SA became aware of welfare concerns for Lochie in May 2022 when the man took the dog in for rehoming.

GRSA welfare officers found the dog underweight and in poor living conditions at the man’s Paskeville property.

The dog was riddled with fleas and worms, had extensive hair loss, an untreated compound tail fracture and required the removal of 10 teeth.

The dog’s tail was amputated eventually rehomed by Greyhound Racing SA.

On a follow-up inspection, welfare officer suspended the man from greyhound racing in SA and found Archie had a swollen front left leg – from a fracture suffered while racing on July 8, 2021.

A vet set the leg but the RSCPA said the man did not continue veterinary treatment and the dog was confiscated, his leg amputated and he was rehomed.

The RSPCA said it was unaware of welfare concerns for any of the four dogs until December 20, 2023, when an inspector received a cruelty report in relation to Lochie and Archie.

The report was made in the aftermath of the state government’s independent greyhound racing industry inquiry, which was sparked after footage emerged of a man allegedly kicking and punching a dog.

Archie and Lochie were two dogs referenced in the final report.

On May 6, 2024, an RSPCA inspector attended the defendant’s property and found the blind labrador who was struggling to walk.

The man told the inspector that he was waiting for the dog to die, the RSPCA said, and he surrendered Gabby and Ella.

Both dogs were found to be suffering multiple medical issues from months to years of neglect and both were humanely euthanased because of their shocking condition.

The man was sentenced the defendant to three months and two weeks jail, suspended on an 18-month good behaviour bond and ordered to pay costs.

He was allowed to keep a jack russell dog but is banned from owning other animals.