Government seeks review of award for banned greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock

The state’s racing minister says he wants a review into the trainer of the year award given to recently banned Tasmanian greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock. What was said in state parliament.

Anthony Bullock after state distance final in Launceston.

Tasracing has been asked to review the trainer of the year award given to banned greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock.

In state parliament on Tuesday, Racing Minister Felix Ellis said he had asked for the award to be looked into, after Mr Bullock was given a lifetime ban from the sport.

“As I’ve said in this place before, animal cruelty makes my blood boil,” Mr Ellis said.

“We have contacted Tasracing because we don’t believe that it’s appropriate that someone with a lifetime ban should continue to keep that award and recognition, and we expect to be hearing back from Tasracing soon.”

Mr Bullock was last week given a lifetime disqualification after a marsupial tail was found on a mechanical training apparatuses on his property on August 3 this year.

It came after damning drone footage was released that same month by Animal Liberation Tasmania of Mr Bullock’s Exeter training facility.

The footage showed greyhounds without coats in exercise yards during cold weather, dogs without bedding or insulation from the ground, and a number of animal carcasses including a horse’s head and wallaby in a ute tray.

Independent member for Clark Kristie Johnston welcomed the announcement Mr Bullock’s award was being reviewed

“I was pleased to hear from Mr Ellis that he thought it was not appropriate that Mr Bullock had received a trainer of the year award and had contacted Tasracing for a response,” she said.

“It’s taken several questions in parliament and media pressure for Mr Ellis to get to this point, but nonetheless it is an encouraging step forward, and I welcome it.

“Given the racing minister’s comments, Tasracing must immediately revoke the award received by Anthony Bullock. The ball is in their court. Will they continue to stand by this trainer?”