Victorian greyhound trainers banned over alleged rule breaches
Three Victorian greyhound trainers have been suspended over alleged breaches of the sport’s racing rules in a new live-baiting scandal in which it was alleged possums were used to “blood” racing greyhounds.
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Possums have allegedly been used to “blood” racing greyhounds in a new live-baiting scandal.
Three Victorian trainers have been suspended amid a high-level investigation into the re-emergence of the shocking practice.
Greyhound Racing Victoria said on Tuesday its probe was continuing.
Live-baiting is a cruel technique used to sharpen a dog’s desire to chase a lure.
The Herald Sun understands at least one man has been identified as supplying possums to trainers.
Authorities are probing whether he was paid by some big-name figures in the sport. He is suspected of catching the marsupials in the wild and caging them for use by unscrupulous operators.
GRV inquiries uncovered the alleged live baiting.
Integrity unit general manager Shane Gillard said the trainers had been stood down pending charges.
“The welfare of our dogs and the integrity of our sport are non-negotiable,” he said.
It is believed the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals is aware of the allegations.
There is the possibility of anyone responsible for live-baiting facing criminal prosecution.
The greyhound world was rocked four years ago by revelations of widespread live baiting across three states, including Victoria.
Footage of live baiting using possums, rabbits and piglets caused a huge reaction and pushed the sport towards the edge of extinction, such was the public outrage.
Fifteen people were later charged with criminal offences in Victoria.
They were accused of 125 offences linked to the Tooradin trial track, southeast of Melbourne.
Mr Gillard said the three stood-down trainers were now banned from any greyhound property or club.
He said he could give no further details while the investigations continued, but warned anyone caught “doing the wrong thing” would be caught and banned.
“The vast majority of people involved in Victorian greyhound racing do the right thing and we are encouraged by all those participants who are working with us to identify people who choose to break the rules,” Mr Gillard said.
Other greyhound industry figures reacted with disappointment and shock.
“It’s not fair, it’s really not fair on the rest of us,” one source said.
Another said “dickhead trainers” could destroy the industry, adding: “This is serious, we just don’t want it in our industry.”
Racing Minister Martin Pakula said the allegations were worrying, but the fact that the integrity body discovered the cases was heartening.
“I don’t think five years ago Greyhound Racing had the capacity to do that and now it does, and we will see what happens in terms of laying charges and hearing any allegations,” Mr Pakula said.
“There is an ongoing investigation. Charges have not been laid yet and there may be some time before they are.... any allegation of cheating of any form is disappointing, but what I am encouraged about is; whatever behaviour this is, it has been uncovered by greyhound racing integrity officials.
“In any sport or any walk of life where there are people who are going to do the wrong thing, the question is can you detect, can you stamp it out and can you deal with the people that are accused.”
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Footage from the 2015 live-baiting outrage, secretly filmed in Victoria and Queensland, showed writhing possums attached to a lure being mauled by racing dogs.
The sport’s image was severely battered, with animal welfare bodies and many in the general community repulsed by the activities.
But TAB betting turnover on greyhound racing has remained strong, hitting $932.35 million in 2017-2018.
Additional reporting from Leo Schlink and Matt Johnston