CHARGES LAID AGAINST TWO REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS
MEDIA RELEASE - Friday 28 July 2023
CHARGES LAID AGAINST TWO REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS
Following analysis of the disturbing vision that has been aired by several media channels, together with a formal interview process, Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) Stewards have today laid multiple charges against two registered persons.
Stewards laid a total of 12 individual charges under the Greyhounds Australasia Rules and Local Rules of racing against the two participants including:
Person A
• Ill treatment of a greyhound (five separate counts)
• Fail to exercise care and supervision of a greyhound to prevent pain or suffering
• Cause or permit on premises a condition dangerous to health, welfare or safety of a greyhound
• Conduct detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing
Person B
• Ill treatment of a greyhound
• Fail to exercise care and supervision of a greyhound to prevent pain or suffering
• Cause or permit on premises a condition dangerous to health, welfare or safety of a greyhound
• Conduct detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing
The matter will now go before the Integrity Hearings Panel, the independent body convened by GRSA which is responsible for hearing and investigating the charges as well as determining appropriate penalties if charges are proven. In South Australia, anyone found to be ill-treating a greyhound is guilty of a serious offence and would face a minimum 2 years' disqualification as well as a loss of registration for 10 years from the date of conviction. The date for this hearing is yet to be fixed.
The suspensions applied by GRSA against the two participants remain in effect indefinitely, as does a restriction over the associated property. This prevents either participant from keeping greyhounds or attending, training or participating in any form of greyhound racing.
Quotes attributable to GRSA CEO Bodelle Francis:
“That these charges have been laid less than 48 hours after we first saw the vision is a reflection of how seriously we take the welfare of our animals and how disgusted we were by this vision.
“I commend our Stewards for their swift and decisive action and for the thoroughness of their investigation to this point. The matter will now be referred to the independent Integrity Hearings Panel for determination.
“While our jurisdiction starts and ends with the rules of racing, we stand ready to support the prosecuting authorities on any subsequent criminal investigation.”
The relevant Stewards’ Notice can be accessed on the GRSA website here.
Media: Alexandra Green, Michels Warren PR at [email protected] or 0418 608 038