Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has placed an interim suspension on the registration of a greyhound participant after GRNSW investigators discovered three dead rabbits in the greyhound training areas of his property in the Hunter Valley.
The attendance of the GRNSW investigators at the property was part of a targeted GRNSW operation.
GRNSW and RSPCA NSW immediately commenced a joint investigation to determine if any criminal offences had been committed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or any offences have been committed under the GRNSW Greyhound Racing Rules.
GRNSW General Manager Regulatory Stephen Dodd said today’s operation was a result of extensive intelligence work undertaken by GRNSW and its targeted, risk led approach to actively supervise the industry to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and the GRNSW Greyhound Racing Rules.
Mr Dodd said GRNSW’s regulatory capability had greatly enhanced over the last two years.
“GRNSW is determined to rid the sport of rogue elements that refuse to abide by the rules of racing and are unwilling to adopt the highest of animal welfare and integrity standards,” Mr Dodd said.
“As a regulator, GRNSW has transparently and decisively targeted serious wrongdoing through a risk-based process which involves an extensive program of property inspections, intelligence gathering and enforcement action.
“In addition, GRNSW has a close working relationship with RSPCA NSW and NSW Police that allows each enforcement agency to rapidly identify wrongdoing and take appropriate measures.”
In March, the NSW Government announced it would establish a new independent Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission that will have responsibility for upholding animal welfare standards and overseeing the integrity of greyhound racing through monitoring and enforcement. The new commission will be equipped with even broader powers of surveillance, search and seizure to investigate and prosecute greyhound-related animal welfare breaches.
“The message remains clear – GRNSW and the industry will not tolerate participants that cannot or will not meet the required welfare and integrity standards. Anyone who engages in such acts is not welcome in greyhound racing,” Mr Dodd said.
GRNSW encourages anyone to report any allegations of wrongdoing within the NSW greyhound racing industry to the NSW Greyhound Integrity Hotline on 1800 680 174 or submitting it in writing via intelligence@grnsw.com.au
