Man accused of selling possums as live bait to greyhound trainers
A greyhound owner from northern Victoria is under investigation over claims he captured and sold live possums to trainers so they could “blood” their dogs in a bid to sharpen their urge to chase a lure on race day.
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A greyhound owner known in underground circles as the Possum Man is at the centre of allegations he provided the animals for a live-baiting ring.
The man, from northern Victoria, is under RSPCA investigation over accusations he frequented Melbourne to deliver possums to trainers.
He had caught the marsupials near his home using cage-style traps.
His activities were well-known to a small circle within greyhound racing.
The Herald Sun understands the Possum Man, who has been a registered greyhound owner, was paid by other owners for the possums.
They were used to “blood” dogs so they had a taste of a live animal to sharpen their desire to chase a raceday lure.
The live-baiting allegations were exposed in November last year when three trainers were suspended over the re-emergence of the ugly practice.
An RSPCA investigation into the cruelty has been running for months but no charges have been laid.
“The case is still active so we are unable to make further comments,” a RSPCA spokeswoman said.
Investigations by Greyhound Racing Victoria uncovered the disturbing allegations late last year.
They rocked the sport, which had been hit hard in 2015 when footage of possums, piglets and rabbits being used for live baiting sparked widespread revulsion. Fifteen people in Victoria were charged over that scandal.
GRV integrity manager Shane Gillard said late last year the integrity of the sport was “non-negotiable”.
It has beefed up its enforcement operations in the past decade to halt rogue operators.
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