MP claims possums, guinea pigs and rabbits used for live baiting of greyhounds

Fresh allegations of animal cruelty in the state’s racing industry have been made in parliament, but one MP says whistleblowers are terrified of coming forward. DETAILS >

Claims have been made in parliament about live baiting in the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry.

Mutilated possums tied in hessian sacks are being used as live baits in Tasmania’s greyhound racing industry, Parliament has heard.

Independent MP for Clark Kristie Johnston said industry whistleblowers had told her guinea pigs, rabbits and possums were being used to blood dogs.

“They told me of how possums are trapped, their paws cut off and they are placed in hessian bags to be chased and killed,” she said.

“Cutting the paws off and placing them in hessian bags is necessary because it reduces the risk of the dogs would be scratched or bitten, which might alert racing stewards to their live baiting.

Independent MP Kristie Johnston said whistleblowers were scared to come forward.

She says whistleblowers are terrified of coming forward.

“Another industry participant has confidentially and independently collaborated and corroborated her concerns … but is also too petrified to speak out because of serious retribution.

“Minister the industry is riddled with corruption, bullying and animal cruelty under your watch.

“How can these whistleblowers possibly present the evidence they have without fear of serious retribution when you continue to protect, back in, condone and even praise the actions of the very people they are making allegations against?”

Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie said the claims needed to be reported to the inquiry in the industry, being headed by former NSW Racing chief steward Ray Murrihy.

“That was a series of very serious matters and allegations and the way forward on those is to make sure that they are of course reported,” she said.

“I feel quite distressed about the matters you have spoken of,” she said.

Minister for Racing Madeleine Ogilvie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said there was no room for animal cruelty in racing.

“All matters of animal cruelty make me sick,” the Premier said.

He said the government had worked to strengthen the RSPCA’s powers.

Tasmania’s racing industry has been rocked by allegations of race fixing and animal cruelty in recent days — including claims underperforming racehorses were being slaughtered and fed to racing greyhounds.

Ms Ogilvie has announced an independent inquiry, the Legislative Council is also looking into the claims.

Tasmanian Harness Racing Breeders, Owners, Trainers and Reinspersons Association (BOTRA) has written to Ms Ogilvie saying it has no confidence in the Director of Racing Justin Helmich.

“BOTRA Tasmania at their meeting on Tuesday 28 March 2023 moved and passed a motion of no confidence in the Director of Racing.

Independent MP Kristie Johnston.

“BOTRA Tasmania believes the Director of Racing has failed to perform his legislative responsibilities,” the letter said.

The letter also included concerns about the potential conflicts of interest within the stewards’ panel.

In a post on social media, BOTRA president Shaun Kennedy said his licence had been downgraded for inactivity after he raised concerns about integrity in racing.

He said another driver with less activity was allowed to renew.

“Prior to this licensing interview and renewal, I had taken on the role of BOTRA Tasmania President and had been aggressively pursuing a range of racing issues with the Office of Racing Integrity.

“People can make their own mind up on whether this was fair treatment or a form of retaliation.”

Labor on Wednesday noted there has been seven racing ministers in the last nine years.

Mr Rockliff said a Labor-Green government would be worse for the racing industry.