Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has suspended the licence of registered participants David Harkin and Merle Clarke after two live European rabbits were found during an unannounced raid on a Gilgandra property by GRNSW compliance officers.
Mr Harkin and Ms Clarke, who are both licensed trainers and committee members of the Coonabarabran Greyhound Club, were suspended immediately and that will remain in place pending the outcome of an inquiry. Greyhounds entered in their name at Moree on Saturday have been withdrawn.
Mr Harkin and Ms Clarke have been charged with a breach of Rule 86B of the Greyhound Racing Rules.
Under the Greyhound Racing Rules it is an offence for a registered person to have possession of any live animal which might reasonably be capable of being used as bait or a lure in the training of a greyhound. A person found guilty of an offence under the Rules shall be disqualified for a period of not less than 10 years unless a special circumstance exists.
GRNSW interim CEO Paul Newson said the raid, which happened yesterday, was conducted after information was received from members of the public. Mr Newson said the allegations were of such a serious nature that GRNSW felt it imperative to suspend Mr Harkin and Ms Clarke immediately.
Mr Newson said GRNSW was committed to stamping out all acts of animal mistreatment and misconduct within the greyhound racing industry.
“GRNSW has zero tolerance for animal mistreatment. Since instances of live baiting emerged earlier this year, GRNSW has focused attention on further strengthening its regulatory capability through increased investment in the areas of compliance, integrity and animal welfare,” Mr Newson said.
“This week’s raid and subsequent action was a result of that increased focus on regulation, and GRNSW will continue to be proactive in this area to enforce our zero tolerance approach to acts of animal misconduct within the industry.”
Mr Newson said that the greyhound racing industry in NSW overwhelmingly supports the zero tolerance approach to animal cruelty. He said GRNSW was pleased with the strong level of cooperation and collaboration the industry has offered in identifying acts of animal mistreatment.
GRNSW urges anyone with concerns about the greyhound racing industry to contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Hotline on 1800 680 174 or at www.greyhoundwelfare.com.au
