Greyhound trainer cleared of animal cruelty in wake of race dog Tah Bernard’s death

A well-known greyhound trainer has been cleared of animal cruelty allegations in the wake of an 18-month-old dog’s death.

A GREYHOUND trainer has been absolved of allegations of animal cruelty following the death of 18-month-old race dog Tah Bernard, in a report released by the Office of Racing Integrity.

The greyhound’s leg was fractured at a club trial on November 23 last year at the Mowbray greyhound track, during which a vet wasn’t present, unlike at formal race events.

Tah Bernard was euthanased the following day.

That night after the race, trainer Anthony Bullock was accused of throwing him into his trailer at a vet clinic after “dragging the dog behind him on its hind legs in a rushed and rough manner”, leading to the dog screaming and “squealing”.

A complainant said they believed the dog wasn’t given any pain treatment and was “left to suffer overnight”.

Those allegations were made to the RSPCA, Tasracing and the Office of Racing Integrity, the latter of which investigated the complaint.

In an investigation report released on Thursday, the Director of Racing found Mr Bullock had not breached animal welfare legislation or Australian greyhound industry rules.

As a result, the Exeter-based trainer, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and currently has 100 greyhounds under his control, will not be suspended.

Greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock with greyhound Arnhem Villain. Mr Bullock will not be suspended from the industry, following an investigation clearing him of animal cruelty in the wake of an animal death last year.

RSPCA CEO Jan Davis said the outcoming was “disappointing”.

But she supported the director’s recommendations for having a vet present at all race meetings or made immediately available if an animal was injured, and for Tasracing and the Office of Racing Integrity to review guidelines related to euthanasia and treatment of animal injuries.

“Requiring a vet to be present at every event where greyhounds race, whether a trial or an actual race, is a basic animal welfare consideration – and is long overdue,” she said.

“The RSPCA is committed to working to ensure that Tah Bernard’s death is finally the catalyst for the government to make the necessary changes to prevent intolerable suffering for these beautiful dogs in the name of ‘entertainment’.”

RSPCA CEO Jan Davis supported recommendation to have a vet present at every greyhound trial and race. Picture: Patrick Gee

The report said Mr Bullock took Tah Bernard to a nearby vet but left without treatment, later telling an investigator he left because he felt anxious at suggestions the dog should be surrendered.

Mr Bullock said the sound of a greyhound “strongly vocalising” was another dog – denying “100 per cent” he threw Tah Bernard into the trailer.

The trainer then attempted to get help at other clinics – unsuccessfully – before taking the dog home and giving him a non-prescribed pain medication.

The Director said the incident “galvanised an amount of public interest” driven by articles and posts on news and social media – but found many of the claims were “inaccurate because they have been based on misinformation”.

The report also found it wasn’t possible to determine whether Tah Bernard was placed into the trailer inappropriately, but said it was likely the situation was “physically awkward for Mr Bullock to manage”.

However, the report revealed Mr Bullock was prosecuted for administering Tah Bernard with a non-prescribed medication.

On Wednesday, he was fined $1500 for breaching the Greyhound Australasia Rules, with 50 per cent of the penalty suspended on the proviso he not reoffend within 12 months.

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