NSW greyhound trainer Richard Jason Polidano investigated over dog welfare violations, ‘wilful’ abuse of inspector

A NSW greyhound trainer has been disqualified from working in the profession for more than five years after an investigation into alleged welfare violations and claims he called a government inspector an ‘idiot’.

A NSW greyhound trainer has been disqualified from working in the profession for more than five years after an investigation into alleged welfare violations.

The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission imposed the disqualification on trainer Richard Jason Polidano following an inspection of an injured greyhound that was kept in his care in April this year.

The commission alleged Mr Polidano failed to provide veterinary treatment for the greyhound which was deemed to be suffering “unnecessary pain”.

Inspectors said the dog’s injuries included 5cm deep wounds on the dog’s hips as well as 2cm deep wounds on the dog’s knees. The greyhound also appeared to be underweight, “with its hips, ribs and spine prominent”, the commission stated.

The commission claimed Mr Polidano made false statements to inspectors by claiming the greyhound, which was housed in a kennel at his property, had been seen by a veterinarian in Oxley Park.

The matter was investigated by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission. Photo: Generic.

Follow-up checks by the commission later found the clinic had no records of providing treatment for the dog.

The commission also alleged that during the April inspection, Mr Polidano “wilfully abused” a commission inspector by calling him an “idiot” on repeated occasions during questioning.

There were further corners about the conditions of a kennel located at his property including an alleged lack of adequate bedding to accommodate the dog.

The investigation followed an inspection of Mr Polidano’s property. Photo: Generic.

In evidence provided to the commission by veterinarians who provided follow up checks on the dog, the greyhound was found to have had pressure sores which veterinarians said was consistent with a dog being housed in conditions with hard surfaces.

The evidence provided by veterinarians stated the required treatment for the dog was “so significant that it was necessary for the greyhound to be given a general anaesthetic to surgically debride and flush the greyhound’s wounds”.

The veterinarians also claimed it was a “possibility” that Mr Polidano had been underfeeding the greyhound, increasing its predisposition to pressure sores.

The matter was investigated by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission. Photo: Generic.

NSW Greyhound Welfare chief Commissioner Brenton ‘Alby’ Taylor.

The commission also alleged Mr Polidano “wilfully abused” a commission inspector by calling him an “idiot” on two occasions – as well as “dumb” – during questioning about the dog’s welfare.

Mr Polidano – who has been registered as a greyhound owner for 29 years – entered not guilty pleas for all charges issued by the commission.

NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity chief commissioner Brenton Taylor and commissioner Chris Wheeler – who investigated the matter – handed down their findings last week and found the alleged offences had been proven.

In their joint decision, the commissioners stated that Mr Polidano’s failure “to provide veterinary attention to the Greyhound has subjected the Greyhound to unnecessary pain and suffering”.

Their decision also stated that providing false or misleading statements must also be “dealt with harshly” to provide specific and general deterrence for Mr Polidano and others working in the industry.

The commissioners imposed a total disqualification period of 5 and a half years and fined Mr Polidano $200.

“We are of the view that the (penalty) is appropriate in the circumstances, having regard to the totality of offences and the need for a message of general and specific deterrence to be sent both to the industry as a whole and to Polidano himself,” the Judgement stated.

Mr Polidano has been subject to an interim suspension since April 30 this year – meaning his disqualification period is due to expire October 31, 2029.