A Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Stewards Panel has released its findings from an Inquiry into alleged incidents associated with the Keinbah Trial Track, finding no evidence to support claims animals were mistreated on the grounds.
The purpose of the Inquiry was to establish what incidents had occurred at the Keinbah Trial Track and what further action, if any, may be appropriate by GRNSW or relevant authorities to take.
A total of 14 industry participants gave evidence over two days during hearings staged at Cessnock Racecourse.
While the panel identified circumstances not directly related to the Keinbah Trial Track which have the potential to constitute a breach of the Greyhound Racing Rules, no evidence was led during the Inquiry which would indicate a breach of the rules relating to the operation and management of the Keinbah Trial Track.
In particular, the Inquiry panel found there was no evidence to support previous claims that animals were mistreated, subject to any inappropriate conduct or behaviour (including conduct or behaviour in breach of the Rules or of animal welfare laws) at the Keinbah Trial Track.
In these circumstances, it is the panel’s view that there is no basis for GRNSW to excavate the Keinbah Trial Track or conduct any further inquiries or investigations into matters related to the properties.
Accordingly, other than the additional inquiries that have been foreshadowed in the report, GRNSW will not be taking any further action, making any further inquiries, or conducting any further investigations, into the allegations and rumours about Keinbah Trial Track that were the subject of the Inquiry.
The full report into the Keinbah Trial Track Inquiry can be viewed here.
GRNSW interim CEO Paul Newson said GRNSW was committed to stamping out all acts of animal mistreatment and misconduct within the greyhound racing industry and will continue to investigate allegations about animal cruelty or misconduct associated with the sport.
“GRNSW recognises other regulatory and law enforcement agencies have an important role to play in responding to allegations of animal cruelty and potentially criminal conduct within the greyhound racing industry and in the community at large. GRNSW referred the allegations of animal cruelty at the Keinbah Trial Track to NSW Police, RSPCA NSW, and the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW and will continue to provide information relating to suspected misconduct in the sport for potential further action,” Mr Newson said.
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.
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