Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have concluded an inquiry into the possession of live rabbits at a Gilgandra property during an inspection by GRNSW Compliance Officers on 24 June 2015.
Licensed participants Merle Clarke and David Harkin were charged in breach of Rule 86B. On 22 December, 2015 the panel of stewards dismissed these charges and were issued with a further charge under Rule 86 (o).
Ms Clarke and Mr Harkin were found guilty of a breach of Rule 86 (o) of the Greyhound Racing Rules in that they were negligent in that they failed to notify GRNSW of any animals kept as domesticated pets in a place where greyhounds are also kept, trained or raced.
After receiving submissions from Ms Clarke and Mr Harkin, stewards acting under Rule 98 determined that it is inappropriate to inflict any punishment on the two participants.
The ruling is made on the condition that Ms Clarke and Mr Harkin do not commit any further breach of the Greyhound Racing Rules for a period of 12 months, commencing from 24 June 2015.
In considering penalty, stewards took into account that Ms Clarke and Mr Harkin had no prior convictions under the Greyhound Racing Rules and the cooperation of both participants during the inquiry.
Ms Clarke and Mr Harkin have been notified of their appeal rights.
Click here for the full decision.
