Devon Meadows greyhound trainer Darren McDonald guilty over live baiting at Tooradin Trial Track
GREYHOUND trainer Darren McDonald is the latest to be found guilty following the live baiting scandal — one of 18 industry figures to front a disciplinary board.
South East
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DEVON Meadows trainer Darren McDonald has been found guilty of “serious offences” by the Greyhound Racing Disciplinary Board, for his role in live baiting at the Tooradin Trial Track nearly 12 months ago.
And Langwarrin trainer and breeder Craig Mackie has been found guilty of live baiting there on December 23 and has been disqualified for five years with three years suspended, subject to him not being guilty of any further breaches of rules.
Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Renn Barker said the independent disciplinary board handed down its guilty verdict on Mr McDonald on Wednesday and on Mr Mackie on Thursday.
“But its decision on Mr McDonald’s penalty has been reserved,” Mr Barker said.
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So far, more than 100 charges have been laid against 18 greyhound heavyweights over live baiting with piglets, possums and rabbits at the track, since the scandal erupted on ABC television in February.
Mr Barker said the great majority of the charges were for serious offences.
So far eight high-profile greyhound industry players have had their cases heard and seven have received penalties: Chris Connolly, Lawrence Cunningham, Anthony Mills, Stuart Mills and Jon Roberts, all of who were banned for life; Eric Sykes, disqualified for 10 years with five suspended pending no further breaches and Douglas Wheeler, disqualified for one year.
Ten others, including Mr McDonald, Paul Anderton, Kerry Chalker, Dennis Dean, Ken Hodges, Neville Kin, Brett Mackie, James Reynolds, Kyle Smale and Bob Smith have had their cases heard and nine are still awaiting decisions and possible penalties.
One person, Dianne Hodges, has been found not guilty of any offence.
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Mr Barker said anybody involved in live baiting could face life bans or suspensions of up to 10 years.
“GRV is also assisting the RSPCA with its investigations into the events captured on video at Tooradin. These investigations may lead to additional criminal prosecutions, which carry penalties of up to two years jail and fines up to $30,000,” Mr Barker said.
“The use of live animals in any form of greyhound training has been illegal for many years. GRV is investing $6 million in increased investigative resources to help detect and prevent such practices from occurring in the future,” he said.