Calls for an inquiry into Greyhound Racing Victoria after fresh live baiting allegations

The Allan government is being urged to call an inquiry into Victoria’s greyhound industry after a fresh live baiting scandal.

File photo - Greyhound Racing Victoria has been rocked with another live baiting scandal

Victoria’s greyhound industry has been hit with another live baiting scandal, prompting calls for a widespread inquiry into the sport.

Greyhound Racing Victoria stewards suspended a Victorian dog trainer as part of an investigation into fresh allegations of luring and baiting offences.

The act of live baiting, which is now illegal in all Australian states and territories, typically involves animals, including piglets, rabbits and possums, attached to mechanical lures for greyhounds to chase, catch and kill.

Despite that, live baiting has still occurred in Victoria. In July last year, disgraced greyhound trainers Douglas and Leslie Kenyon each received life bans and a combined $45,000 in fines for live baiting animal cruelty.

File photo - Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an inspection in north central Victoria last month.

In a statement, Greyhound Racing Victoria said its integrity unit obtained evidence of live baiting after they conducted an inspection last month at a property in north central Victoria.

It’s unclear what animals were found at the property, but the trainer was suspended on December 27 with immediate effect.

It’s sparked fresh calls for an independent inquiry into the industry to determine just how widespread the issue is.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said the Allan government must act on the allegations and launch an inquiry. Picture: David Crosling

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, who is calling for an end to greyhound racing, said the Allan government must step in and call an inquiry.

“Greyhound Racing Victoria claim they have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to baiting and luring offences. Yet we’ve seen case after case in recent years, and the continuous refusal to have an independent inquiry — just as South Australia and New South Wales have done,” she said.

“We all know why that is. An independent investigation would not allow them to control the narrative and cover up their disgraceful cruelty.

“It is clear that live baiting has not ended in Victoria. This hideous industry is not satisfied just killing and maiming dogs. Its participants are also torturing small animals in the pursuit of profit.

“These cases prove Greyhound Racing Victoria is an incompetent regulator. Anthony Carbines and Jacinta Allan must do the right thing and step in, not doing so makes them complicit in animal cruelty too.”

Racing Minister Anthony Carbines is facing calls to launch an independent inquiry into the greyhound racing industry. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Racing Minister Anthony Carbines said he had no plans to call an inquiry into the greyhound industry: “We take the safety of racing animals very seriously, shown by the fact that the greyhound industry regulator is suspending those doing the wrong thing,” he said.

“Fatalities and serious injuries in greyhound racing continue to significantly decline because we work closely with the industry to implement greater animal welfare measures.”

Greyhound Racing Victoria chief executive Stuart Laing said the integrity unit is “highly vigilant” and will investigate allegations and evidence of cruelty.

“We have made it very clear that the industry has zero tolerance for any baiting offences, which not only impact animal welfare but also undermine the integrity of the sport and damages the reputation of the greyhound racing industry,” he said.

Greyhound Racing Victoria refused to provide further comment while the investigation is underway.

According to the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, across the nation 128 greyhounds died last year while racing.

Originally published as Calls for an inquiry into Greyhound Racing Victoria after fresh live baiting allegations