Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) advises that the Racing Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) has determined that the interim suspension of the licence of registered participant Harry Sarkis be stayed effective immediately.
On 12 November 2015 GRNSW Stewards determined to suspend Mr Sarkis’ licence on an interim basis, pending the outcome of an Inquiry into Mr Sarkis following allegations made by a number of witnesses at the Special Commission of Inquiry into the NSW Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW regarding his involvement in ‘live baiting’.
GRNSW maintains a zero tolerance approach to animal cruelty and following consideration of the serious allegations made against Mr Sarkis at the Commission acted swiftly to commence an Inquiry and issue an interim suspension pending the outcome of its disciplinary proceedings.
On 15 December 2015, Mr Sarkis commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW, challenging the interim suspension of his licence. GRNSW opposed Mr Sarkis’ application and the final hearing of the matter was heard before Justice Stevenson on 22 December 2015. On 23 December 2015 Justice Stevenson delivered his judgment, dismissing Mr Sarkis’ application, with costs awarded to GRNSW. Justice Stevenson noted that Mr Sarkis had failed to exercise his right to appeal to the Tribunal in the first instance.
The Supreme Court’s judgment can be viewed here.
On 30 December 2015, following the adverse ruling and costs order by the NSW Supreme Court, Mr Sarkis applied to the Racing Appeals Tribunal to lodge an appeal out of time and for a stay of the decision made by GRNSW Stewards.
In granting leave to appeal out of time, the Tribunal ordered that the decision of GRNSW to impose an interim suspension of Mr Sarkis' licence pending the outcome of an Inquiry should be stayed pending the determination of the appeal.
While GRNSW is disappointed the Racing Appeals Tribunal has seen fit to stay its suspension, despite the matter already being determined by the NSW Supreme Court, it is committed to take all necessary action to safeguard greyhound welfare and secure the integrity of the sport.
