Greyhound racing: Mount Moriac’s Kevin Ward banned for 12 months

A Mount Moriac greyhound trainer has been banned after his dog was found dying from cancer, unable to walk to get food or water.

A Victorian greyhound trainer has been banned from the sport for a year after he left his greyhound to die in a “totally unacceptable” state at his home.

Mount Moriac’s Kevin Ward was found guilty on four charges including failing to exercise reasonable care and supervision to prevent greyhounds from being subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering by the Victorian Racing Tribunal earlier this month.

Ward was charged after stewards found the trainer’s dog, Alouette Lass, “emaciated, dehydrated, unresponsive to stimulus, with submandibular swelling, faecal matting, and an increased pulse and respiratory rate” during a kennel inspection in December 2020.

Tribunal documents reveal the dog was “dying and in pain” from cancer which Ward was aware of.

Ward believed he could let her die at home but she was eventually euthanised shortly after the inspection.

Expert evidence from Dr Nick Evans described the dog’s state as “totally unacceptable”.

“He stressed that her body condition was so poor that she could not walk or access food or water and it was likely that she had been unable to move for days,” the documents said.

Ward gave evidence he would personally check with a veterinarian when a greyhound was close to dying but the tribunal deemed he was “far too slow” on this occasion.

“Even when stewards suggested to Ward the greyhound be euthanised at a local veterinary practice, he insisted on going from Mount Moriac to Craigieburn to have her put down and delayed doing so while he engaged with stewards in a long winded self-justification for his negligent behaviour,” tribunal documents stated.

The kennel where Alouette Lass was found had a build-up of dirt and there was only an “old, worn” blanket for her to lie on with minimal shredded paper.

Ward currently has no greyhounds in his care as he battles his own health issues.

“We hope that he takes this opportunity of extended recuperation, before once again commencing his training, armed with the knowledge that he must take a different approach,” the tribunal said.

“He must not allow his retired greyhounds to die at home that may involve unnecessary suffering.”

Ward had pleaded not guilty to all charges.