RSPCA charges imminent for those implicated in greyhound racing’s live baiting scandal
RINGLEADERS of the greyhound live baiting scandal at Tooradin Trial Track in November last year could face jail, once the RSPCA presses its charges against them.
South East
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RINGLEADERS of the greyhound live baiting scandal at Tooradin Trial Track in November last year could face savage penalties, including jail terms, when the RSPCA presses its charges against them.
RSPCA investigators are tight-lipped about their intentions, but three key sections of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act carry penalties ranging from $36,000 to nearly $75,000 and prison terms from 12 to 24 months.
The RSPCA’s Sharon Mackenzie said investigators were progressing well with their investigations leading to criminal prosecutions against those responsible for the horrific activities recorded at Tooradin.
“But I am not in a position to pinpoint any specific charges that are under consideration,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The track was the scene of sickening footage taken by Animals Australia activists and broadcast by the ABC in February, showing rabbits, piglets and possums being torn to pieces when used as live bait by greyhounds during training sessions.
The Greyhound Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board has already handed down life bans to three trainers and a 10-year suspension (suspended to five) to a fourth and is still investigating at least another seven people over what its chairman Ray Gunston has described as “among the most serious (charges) in greyhound racing.”
Industry sources told the Leader, the RSPCA charges would likely be made under sections 9, 10 and 13 of the Act. These cover cruelty, aggravated cruelty and baiting and luring.
Cruelty charges cover wounding, mutilation, torture and unreasonable pain or suffering and carry fines up to $37,310 and 12 months jail.
Aggravated cruelty covers cruelty which results in the death or serious disablement of the animal. It carries fines up to $74,620 and two years jail.
Baiting and luring covers anybody who keeps, uses or assists in the management of premises used for baiting or maltreatment of an animal, or who releases it in circumstances where it will or is likely to be pursued, injured or killed by a dog. Penalties of up to $36,400 and two years jail are prescribed for the offence. And anybody attending an event of this type could face fines of $18,200.
One source said there was little doubt the RSPCA would at least have these charges in mind when it eventually launched its prosecutions.
“From the evidence that has surfaced to date, it’s not hard to imagine at least some of those under investigation might be in for more serious trouble when the RSPCA makes its move,” the source said.