Leading Tasmanian greyhound racing trainer Anthony Bullock suspended amid probe

The RSPCA says the suspension of the licence of one of Tasmania’s leading greyhound trainers, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty, is a “wake up call for all those involved in racing”.

Pictures: Facebook

The RSPCA says the suspension of the licence of one of Tasmania’s leading greyhound trainers, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty, is a “wake up call for all those involved in racing”.

The Office of Racing Integrity announced on Saturday that Anthony Bullock’s licence had been suspended “with immediate effect until the conclusion of the inquiry, or until otherwise advised (whichever is sooner)”.

It comes as Mr Bullock faces claims of animal abuse, with drone footage released by Animal Liberation showing a utility full of dismembered animal carcasses, apparently malnourished horses and greyhounds in inadequate kennels on an Exeter property owned by him.

Tasracing confirmed on Thursday an investigation had been launched after the footage surfaced.

Greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock with greyhound Arnhem Villain

RSPCA CEO Jan Davis said the footage “reinforced the on-going concerns the RSPCA and many others have expressed”.

“We have been investigating this footage in conjunction with the Office of Racing Integrity and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment,” she said.

“We welcome the announcement from the Office of Racing Integrity that Mr Bullock’s licence has been suspended whilst their inquiry is underway.

“As part of the ongoing RSPCA investigation, we will be working to ensure the welfare and safety of the greyhounds in Mr Bullock’s care.”

“We will be closely monitoring the welfare of Mr Bullock’s dogs while these investigations are underway.”

Greens leader Dr Rosalie Woodruff also supported Mr Bullock’s suspension but called for an independent investigator from interstate to look at the allegations.

“We want to make sure that it’s not just going to be another show trial from ORI,” she said.

“There’s an independent investigation into harness racing, how can the same regulator turn around and investigate what’s happening to greyhounds?

Bronelly Jacob with trainer Anthony Bullock after state distance final in Launceston. August 9, 2019.

“We are calling on the government to have an independent external investigation by somebody outside the state who’s got nothing to do with the racing industry.”

Animal Liberation spokesperson Kristy Alger also expressed “grave concerns” about ORI conducting the investigation.

“Essentially ORI is investigating itself and its own failings, that is not independent, that is not transparent,” she said.

“We have grave concerns for those dogs. The Tasmanian Government should be funding sanctuaries to place those dogs.”

Dr Woodruff and Independent Clark MP Kristie Johnston both questioned what would happen to Mr Bullock’s 90 dogs.

Ms Johnston, who has advocated for animal rights in the past, including raising in parliament concerns about greyhound racing, said complaints about Mr Bullock had previously “fallen on deaf ears”, but now was “better late than never”.

Dismembered carcasses, animals in ‘poor condition’: Drone footage cruelty claims

August 3: Confronting images showing alleged animal mistreatment and neglect at the property owned by a leading greyhound trainer must be properly investigated, animal rights activists and the Greens say.

Tasracing on Thursday confirmed the Office of Racing Integrity was looking into footage released by Animal Liberation Tasmania showing a ute full of dismembered animal carcasses, apparently malnourished horses and greyhounds in inadequate kennels.

The drone footage was purportedly taken at an Exeter property owned by leading Tasmanian greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock in early July.

Animal Liberation spokeswoman Kristy Alger said the footage was disturbing.

“The footage shows greyhounds kept in freezing conditions with the barest minimum of protection, some without even coats or a blanket in sparse tin sheds,” she said.

“Shredded paper is offered as bedding to some, where others have nothing at all.

“A pair of horses are also shown on the property, one in particular in poor condition.

“Also of concern, a small number of what appear to be small animal cages or traps on and around greyhound runs, their purpose unknown.”

The confronting footage was uploaded to Facebook by Animal Liberation. Pictures: Facebook

Tasracing chief executive Andrew Jenkins said an investigation was underway – and there was no room for animal mistreatment in the industry.

“We have seen the footage and would note initially that some aspects of that on face value would appear concerning,” he said.

“I’m advised that the Office of Racing Integrity have already commenced an investigation this morning on site.

‘We will wait for the outcome of that investigation before considering further actions as may be necessary.

“I won’t make any reference to this specific matter of this property but what I would say is that Tasracing is strongly committed to ensuring the best animal welfare outcomes for our animals.

“That may mean in the future that we consider making changes to our codes of practice, including the introduction of a greyhound code of practice.”

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said she was appalled by the footage.

“It is terrible,” she said.

“It is past time for taxpayer’s money to stop being used to prop up Tasracing, to stop being used towards an industry which has a string of animal welfare abuses behind it.

“There are the latest allegations in a litany of failures and we don’t have faith in the minister or the Liberals to take action and to properly investigate.”

Former racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie had oversight of the industry until the week before last.

“The majority of people in the racing sector are great people,” she said.

“They do the right thing and a small minority of people may do the wrong thing. That’s difficult and we need to address those issues. But when it comes to racing, it is a sector that the Tasmanian Government supports and strongly supports.

A spokesman for the Office of Racing Integrity said an investigation was underway.

“The Office of Racing Integrity is aware of the video and are actively investigating the matter in conjunction with the RSPCA,” he said.

Comment was sought from Mr Bullock.

Originally published as Leading Tasmanian greyhound racing trainer Anthony Bullock suspended amid probe