DECISION – INQUIRY INTO EUTHANASIA (BETTER CRUISE)

On 18 April 2018, the GRNSW Inquiry Panel held an Inquiry into charges issued against Tanya Kemp (formerly Skaratt), Benjamin Talbot and Dr Mark Sayer under the GRNSW Greyhound Racing Rules in relation to the circumstances of the euthanasia of the greyhound ‘Better Cruise’ at the Wagga Wagga Greyhound Track on 5 January 2018.  All charges were denied by Ms Kemp, Mr Talbot and Dr Sayer.

With the exception of one charge against Dr Sayer for breach of Rule 86(ag), the Inquiry Panel was satisfied that Ms Kemp, Mr Talbot and Dr Sayer had breached the Rules as charged.  Having regard to the totality of the facts, the Inquiry Panel determined that the following penalties were appropriate:

1. in relation to Ms Kemp:
   1. two years disqualification for failing to comply with the Code of Practice for Keeping of Greyhounds in Training and/or the Supplement to Codes of Practice – Greyhound Euthanasia (Rule 86(ag));
   2. four years disqualification for doing a thing which, in the opinion of the Stewards, is improper (Rule 86(o));
   3. four years disqualification for committing acts and/or engaging in conduct that was detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image or promotion of greyhound racing (Rule 86(q));

      (penalties to be served concurrently)

2. in relation to Mr Talbot:
   1. two years disqualification for doing a thing which, in the opinion of the Stewards, is improper (Rule 86(o);
   2. two years disqualification for committing acts and/or engaging in conduct that was detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image or promotion of greyhound racing (Rule 86(q));
   3. two years disqualification for knowingly aiding and/or abetting Ms Kemp to commit a breach of the Rules (Rule 86(n));

      (penalties to be served concurrently)

3. in relation to Dr Sayer:
   1. two years warned off for doing a thing which, in the opinion of the Stewards, is improper (Rule 86(o)); and
   2. two years warned off for committing acts and/or engaging in conduct that was detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image or promotion of greyhound racing (Rule 86(q))

      (penalties to be served concurrently).

      A copy of the Inquiry Panel’s decision can be found here.

      Ms Kemp, Mr Talbot and Dr Sayer were advised of their appeal rights.