Greyhound Racing NSW has launched an immediate investigation into the illegal practice of live baiting after a damning TV investigative report implicated multiple trainers across the country.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The trainer of an East Maitland-owned greyhound was among those implicated by the Four Corners investigation aired by ABC on Monday night, which showed live piglets, possums and rabbits being fixed to mechanical lures before being chased and mauled to death by dogs during training sessions.
Victorian-based Darren McDonald, a two-time Australian greyhound trainer of the year who prepares group winner Keybow for owner Kel Lean, was one of 70 greyhound trainers said to have been implicated in the scandal.
There was no direct evidence linking Brisbane and Perth cup winner Keybow to live baiting, but since the issue was raised, more than 20 people have now been suspended from the industry across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
Hunter Valley greyhound trainer Bob Whitelaw said honest participants in the sport would suffer because of the actions of a few.
“It’s really going to rock the industry right across the whole country, there’s no doubt about that,” Whitelaw was reported as saying on the ABC Grandstand website.
“The ramifications could be very costly to a lot of people who’ve been honest and played the game as it should be, are going to lose, that’s for sure.”
Greyhound Racing NSW chief executive Brett Hogan said there was no place in the sport for live baiting and a taskforce led by former High Court justice Michael McHugh would investigate further.
“There is no place whatsoever for animal cruelty of any kind in our sport,” Hogan said in a statement released yesterday.
“Animal cruelty is completely unacceptable and anyone found guilty of a cruelty offence is not welcome in the sport.
“We need to stamp out live baiting once and for all, not only is it illegal, but it is sickening and we are disgusted with what we have witnessed on air.
“Greyhound Racing NSW welcomes Michael McHugh’s acceptance to head this taskforce and is committed to working closely with him and the taskforce as quickly as we can.”
Live baiting is illegal under the greyhound racing rules as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Anyone found guilty of the offence can face up to five years jail and a $22,000 fine.
Lean declined to comment yesterday.
Maitland Greyhound Club sponsorship and promotions manager Fred Robertson also declined to comment.
