Four Corners: Greyhound Racing: Live Baiting Revelations

[labadore]

I'd agree to that.

Qld's Racing Minister's just announced there'll be an enquiry into (1) why live baiting went undetected and (2) what can improve the situation.

All together now: (1) it was known it existed but the admin had no will to do anything and (2) nothing really.

And nothing in that is about the welfare of the greyhounds.

He also announced that the enquiry will be funded by Racing Qld (does that sound like the Racing Qld investigating itself?).

Here is the article announcing an independent review:

The Queensland government has established an independent review into the racing industry, in the wake of the live-baiting scandal

Queensland Racing Minister announces greyhound review

Date: March 2, 2015 - 3:48PM

The Racing Minister has announced a review of the greyhound industry.

The Queensland government has established an independent review into the racing industry, in the wake of the live-baiting scandal.

Racing Minister Bill Byrne announced the independent review, to be led by barrister Alan Macsporran SC, would be funded by the racing industry.

The three-month exercise would look into the extent of live baiting in the greyhound racing industry, Mr Byrne said.

"The government's intention over the next three months is to establish what has occurred within the racing industry, particularly the greyhounds, how could this have occurred [and] how we're going to move forward in order to retain the industry in a serviceable fashion going forward," he said.

"Mr Macsporran's brief is to provide strong recommendations to the government regarding the future of racing and greyhound racing in this state."

Mr Byrne said the review would focus on governance rather than the alleged criminal acts exposed by the Four Corners program.

He said it would encompass other areas of concern in the broader racing industry but would first focus on the immediate issue posed in the greyhound code.

"I've asked for some specific direction from my department about a number of matters but first thing's first," he said.

"First thing, we've got to get to the bottom of what's happening in greyhounds.

"We've got to make sure we tourniquet the problem.

"We've got to send a very clear signal to all players in that industry that this is not acceptable."

With 13 high-profile Queensland trainers implicated in live-baiting allegations, Mr Byrne said the review would focus on how these actions had slipped under the state body's radar.

"It's not rocket science to suggest there's a regulatory oversight problem here," he said.

"I'd imagine that, without prejudicing the deliberations of the review, that would be one of the outcomes."

Strategies used in the review would include a 1300 number that people can call to provide information about any incidents of live baiting, with the option for anonymity.

While he was reluctant to predict any possible result of the review, Mr Byrne said the aim was to give Queenslanders a sense of security around the welfare of greyhounds.

"There isn't a Queenslander that I've spoken to that isn't horrified by what they've seen," he said.

"I want to get to the bottom of exactly how widespread this issue is, whether there are other people who are accountable in this process and what can be done to give a significant level of assurance to Queenslanders that these practices won't occur again."

Those alleged criminal acts will be covered by a separate investigation by the Racing Integrity Commissioner and the Queensland Police Service.

The greyhound industry has suffered a strong backlash in the wake of the scandal, with major sponsors pulling support and the sacking of a number of officials across the country.

Mr Byrne's announcement came just hours before the Racing Queensland board was set to meet to discuss the fate of seven trainers handed show cause notices in relation to the scandal.

The board will consider the responses of trainers to the notices and may determine a punishment for them.

Six other Queensland trainers continue to be under investigation in relation to live baiting.

Racing Queensland last week announced a levy would be imposed on the greyhound industry to help fund tighter integrity protocols.

[labadore]

Article in Daily Telegraph this morning:

Five Queensland greyhound trainers banned for life for live baiting, 28 NSW dogs barred from racing

Five Queensland greyhound trainers banned for life for live baiting, 28 NSW dogs barred from racing

March 02, 2015 11:10PM

UPDATE: THE live-baiting scandal took another turn on Thursday night when five Queensland greyhound trainers were banned for life and 28 NSW greyhounds were barred from racing.

Reg Kay, Tom Noble, Debra Arnold, James Harding and Tony McCabe have all been warned off racetracks for life and banned from placing a bet or training or owning any registered racing animal.

Racing Queensland Chairman Kevin Dixon said after carefully considering the submissions and evidence and the seriousness of the allegations, the decision had been taken to warn off the five trainers.

“As a board we determined the actions of these individuals proved they should not be considered fit and proper persons to continue to be involved in the greyhound industry,” Mr Dixon said after an RQ board meeting at Deagon.

“The conduct we saw from these people in the evidence provided to us is not only against the rules of greyhound racing, it is deplorable by its very nature.

“There is no place for anyone who engages in this type of conduct in the industry.”

The RQ board is still yet to make a decision on the cases of trainers Greg Stella and Michael Chapman.

Mr Stella appeared in person to make a verbal submission to the RQ board which referred the matter back to the stewards to undertake a stewards’ inquiry.

Mr Michael Chapman made a written submission and his case was adjourned to a later date after new evidence came to light.

Also on Thursday, Greyhound Racing NSW suspended those greyhounds associated with participants who are being investigated for alleged live-baiting offences in the NSW greyhound racing industry.

A statement from GRNSW released on Thursday night said the “suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained’’.

The suspensions ensures the greyhounds cannot be transferred to other trainers and therefore continue to race.

GRNSW is continuing inquiries into instances of misconduct and treatment of animals in the greyhound racing industry and warned other suspensions could be issued if it is identified further greyhounds have been potentially exposed to live-baiting practices.

Newly appointed GRNSW CEO Paul Newson said the suspension of the greyhounds sends a clear message that officials will “act decisively against any participants seeking to benefit from the mistreatment of animals”. “Stamping out shameful practices such as live baiting and securing the integrity of the sport is the immediate focus for GRNSW,” he added

The life bans imposed by Racing Queensland come in the wake of the animal cruelty scandal which was exposed by the ABC’s Four Corners.

The program aired clandestine footage showing live piglets, possums and rabbits being attached to mechanical lures and mauled by greyhounds at private training tracks in Queensland, Victoria and NSW.

The greyhound industry across the land was enjoying a huge resurgence before the live-baiting scandal erupted.

[dogbesotted]

Article in Daily Telegraph this morning:

Five Queensland greyhound trainers banned for life for live baiting, 28 NSW dogs barred from racing

Five Queensland greyhound trainers banned for life for live baiting, 28 NSW dogs barred from racing

March 02, 2015 11:10PM

UPDATE: THE live-baiting scandal took another turn on Thursday night when five Queensland greyhound trainers were banned for life and 28 NSW greyhounds were barred from racing.

Reg Kay, Tom Noble, Debra Arnold, James Harding and Tony McCabe have all been warned off racetracks for life and banned from placing a bet or training or owning any registered racing animal.

Racing Queensland Chairman Kevin Dixon said after carefully considering the submissions and evidence and the seriousness of the allegations, the decision had been taken to warn off the five trainers.

“As a board we determined the actions of these individuals proved they should not be considered fit and proper persons to continue to be involved in the greyhound industry,” Mr Dixon said after an RQ board meeting at Deagon.

“The conduct we saw from these people in the evidence provided to us is not only against the rules of greyhound racing, it is deplorable by its very nature.

“There is no place for anyone who engages in this type of conduct in the industry.”

The RQ board is still yet to make a decision on the cases of trainers Greg Stella and Michael Chapman.

Mr Stella appeared in person to make a verbal submission to the RQ board which referred the matter back to the stewards to undertake a stewards’ inquiry.

Mr Michael Chapman made a written submission and his case was adjourned to a later date after new evidence came to light.

Also on Thursday, Greyhound Racing NSW suspended those greyhounds associated with participants who are being investigated for alleged live-baiting offences in the NSW greyhound racing industry.

A statement from GRNSW released on Thursday night said the “suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained’’.

The suspensions ensures the greyhounds cannot be transferred to other trainers and therefore continue to race.

GRNSW is continuing inquiries into instances of misconduct and treatment of animals in the greyhound racing industry and warned other suspensions could be issued if it is identified further greyhounds have been potentially exposed to live-baiting practices.

Newly appointed GRNSW CEO Paul Newson said the suspension of the greyhounds sends a clear message that officials will “act decisively against any participants seeking to benefit from the mistreatment of animals”. “Stamping out shameful practices such as live baiting and securing the integrity of the sport is the immediate focus for GRNSW,” he added

The life bans imposed by Racing Queensland come in the wake of the animal cruelty scandal which was exposed by the ABC’s Four Corners.

The program aired clandestine footage showing live piglets, possums and rabbits being attached to mechanical lures and mauled by greyhounds at private training tracks in Queensland, Victoria and NSW.

The greyhound industry across the land was enjoying a huge resurgence before the live-baiting scandal erupted.

I can understand the levels of surprise oh shock oh horrors if the participants had been backyard greyhound owners and racers but most were organised by big names in racing.... therefore the cynic in me wonders how much chance will have happened in 5 years time

H

[Lillynix]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

Edited March 3, 2015 by Lillynix

[mita]

I can understand the levels of surprise oh shock oh horrors if the participants had been backyard greyhound owners and racers but most were organised by big names in racing.... therefore the cynic in me wonders how much chance will have happened in 5 years time

H

Exactly, DB. We ordinary, suburban plebs, who've never been to a greyhound race, knew that live baiting was used. Because long-term trainer neighbour told us. Not even in the context of shock-horror, but as a technique that some used, but he & his mates didn't.

He didn't think it was necessary because the greys already had their levels of prey drive. As well as it being cruel.

He told us there was another technique where greys were kept hungry on the belief they'd be more motivated to chase the lure. He didn't think that was necessary, either, because the greys were athletes who needed good nutrition & food as fuel for energy. He thought that was cruel, too.

Edited March 3, 2015 by mita

[HazyWal]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

Geez don't ask that question Lillynix! I asked it about 20 pages back, I've been asking that question from the anti extremists for years but no one can really answer it. They're on a mission and they are not thinking that far ahead.

[labadore]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

The following is a news article from Greyhounds NSW website regarding the suspensions including naming the suspended dogs and according to another article which I have provided in first link below, the dogs were also microchipped during the raids and the owners advised by GRNSW via a phone call on Friday "not to try and name them, sell them or do anything with them", so they are definitely tracking the dogs until their respective inquiries are finalised. With regards to the welfare of greyhounds, I have bolded a pertinent para in the GRNSW article below.

Leading trainer and breeder Greg Board is furious at Dogs suspension

GRNSW Suspends Greyhounds

GRNSW Suspends Greyhounds

Written by: GRNSW

02/03/15

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has suspended 28 greyhounds associated with participants who are currently being investigated for alleged live baiting offences in the NSW greyhound racing industry.

GRNSW stewards issued notices of suspension under the Greyhounds Australasia rule 92 (5) and local rule 92.

Under the rules, the suspended greyhounds shall not be allowed to compete or nominate for any race until their respective inquiries are finalised. The relevant greyhounds are also not permitted to be sold or transferred to the care, custody or training of any other person.

In suspending the greyhounds, GRNSW is prioritising animal welfare and the integrity of the sport. The suspensions also reflect GRNSW’s zero tolerance stance toward the mistreatment of animals. The suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained. At this stage no adverse findings have been made against persons associated with the suspended greyhounds.

GRNSW inquiries into instances of misconduct and mistreatment of animals in the greyhound racing industry are ongoing. If GRNSW identifies any further greyhounds that have been potentially exposed to live baiting practices they will also be suspended until an inquiry has been completed.

The GRNSW action should remind all owners and trainers about their legal obligation to maintain the welfare of all greyhounds in their care.

GRNSW Chief Executive Paul Newson said the suspension of the greyhounds sends a clear message that GRNSW will act decisively against any participants seeking to benefit from the mistreatment of animals.

“Stamping out shameful practices such as live baiting and securing the integrity of the sport is the immediate focus for GRNSW,” Mr Newson said.

GRNSW’s inquiry will include an assessment of any adverse effects associated with the practice of live-baiting. Further, any decisions to lift suspensions will be informed by expert veterinary advice.

Any owner or trainer who is unable to ensure the welfare of their greyhounds have been encouraged to contact the GRNSW Welfare and Compliance unit to discuss alternative options outside of racing, including the potential of retiring the greyhounds as pets.

GRNSW in partnership with Service NSW has also today launched the greyhound welfare and integrity hotline. This 24/7 hotline and website operated by Service NSW has been established to encourage the public to report any concerns about the greyhound industry such as suspected mistreatment of animals or integrity issues. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1800 680 174 or online at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/submit-greyhound-welfare-or-integrity-concern

Full list of suspended greyhounds

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[Greyt]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

One would hope that the owners would step in and take the dogs home. In the event that does not happen, GAP programs which are mainly funded by the instry could step in. In the event that even that doesn't happen, there are community based Greyhound rescues that can help.

Ultimately, I hope each and every dog finds a wonderful forever home.

[HazyWal]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

One would hope that the owners would step in and take the dogs home. In the event that does not happen, GAP programs which are mainly funded by the instry could step in. In the event that even that doesn't happen, there are community based Greyhound rescues that can help.

Ultimately, I hope each and every dog finds a wonderful forever home.

Nooooo not ONE would hope, there are 28 dogs in NSW that have been suspended, that's JUST NSW. What about the trainers that have just thought "sh*t this is too hard I'm out"? What happens to their dogs? I was on a FB page today where an owner had just refused to pick up their dog, they'd disappeared into the eather and this trainer was wondering what the hell to do with this dog, seeing as they can't legally give it away. People are walking around in circles wondering WTF they do with dogs they don't own. One would HOPE just doesn't cut it, got room at your house Greyt?

[WreckitWhippet]

what will happen to the dogs if they can't race ?

They will more than likely be euth'd. Property law still applies.

[Greyt]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

One would hope that the owners would step in and take the dogs home. In the event that does not happen, GAP programs which are mainly funded by the instry could step in. In the event that even that doesn't happen, there are community based Greyhound rescues that can help.

Ultimately, I hope each and every dog finds a wonderful forever home.

Nooooo not ONE would hope, there are 28 dogs in NSW that have been suspended, that's JUST NSW. What about the trainers that have just thought "sh*t this is too hard I'm out"? What happens to their dogs? I was on a FB page today where an owner had just refused to pick up their dog, they'd disappeared into the eather and this trainer was wondering what the hell to do with this dog, seeing as they can't legally give it away. People are walking around in circles wondering WTF they do with dogs they don't own. One would HOPE just doesn't cut it, got room at your house Greyt?

Actually no unfortunately, I am moving from a house to a townhouse next week so I can't take them although I wish I could - before we decided to buy the townhouse, we did consider an incredible house for a great price on 2 acres and now I kind of wish we had of gone that way... I hope to contribute to the cause by trying to raise awareness and I have and will contribute $$$ as well. Unfortunately for me, my daughter has an irrational fear of large dogs so when we were fostering the Greys, she refused to come and visit us with the kids so we did not get to participate in their lives in a "normal" way. We took the decision to have Whippets instead and now we have a fully engaged family life with 2 dogs we adore, 1 of which we got as a severely - to the extreme - anxious 5 year old and I have worked on helping her to deal with those issues... poor thing but she is getting there.

I understand you are passionate about these dogs and it is easy to see that it is the dogs who have done nothing wrong will be paying the ultimate price unless they can be saved. From reading other threads, it looks like you are one of the few people in Australia that devote yourself on a daily basis to saving Greyhounds - what you do is beyond commendable to me, more like damn near heroic.

I just can't fathom the disconnect (purely from my perspective) where you hardly talk about all of the ills brought about by the Greyhound Racing Industry, but instead, choose to criticise those that want to see and end to the industry - and before that happens, significant regulation changes that will bring about much better animal welfare outcomes.

There are many in community based Greyhound rescue that devote their lives to saving individual dogs everyday of their lives. Their mission is to save dogs that need saving today but they do not countenance the behaviour of the industry that results in so many thousands of fabulous dogs being killed every year in the prime of their lives, the live baiting, doping, overbreeding, mass disposal etc.

You could make the argument that the dogs that need immediate re-homing now are in that situation because of the footage they captured and brought to the publics attention through 4 Corners. I think that those same dogs need re-homing now because of the thoughtless, short sighted, cruel, illegal, do anything for a dollar people that we all saw deny their activities on film. They are the same people that are charged with the welfare of the dogs in their care.

I ask, what are they doing to find homes for these dogs that they have exposed to the risks of being killed in the near future. I ask, how many dogs need to die in the next 10 years if there are no changes to the cumulative practices of the industry? And I ask how much undetected cruelty will go on if nothing changes?

[labadore]

Okay, so 28 greyhounds in NSW are now barred from racing, and the suspensions make it so they can't be transferred and raced under other trainers. Okay great. But what is going to happen to those dogs? Where are they now? Are they still with the people they were with before? How long will they stay with those people? Is the welfare of those dogs being monitored? Whilst GRNSW said this:

suspensions are a pre-emptive move to ensure the welfare of the greyhounds is maintained

are they actually going to ensure the welfare of these dogs now that they're not racing, if so, how are they going to do that?

It's good that some action has been taken and that people have had action taken against them, and I agree that these dogs should not be allowed to race under the circumstances...but what comes next for them? Has anyone actually put any thought into what happens to the dogs after they're barred from racing and are therefore effectively useless within the industry?

One would hope that the owners would step in and take the dogs home. In the event that does not happen, GAP programs which are mainly funded by the instry could step in. In the event that even that doesn't happen, there are community based Greyhound rescues that can help.

Ultimately, I hope each and every dog finds a wonderful forever home.

Nooooo not ONE would hope, there are 28 dogs in NSW that have been suspended, that's JUST NSW. What about the trainers that have just thought "sh*t this is too hard I'm out"? What happens to their dogs? I was on a FB page today where an owner had just refused to pick up their dog, they'd disappeared into the eather and this trainer was wondering what the hell to do with this dog, seeing as they can't legally give it away. People are walking around in circles wondering WTF they do with dogs they don't own. One would HOPE just doesn't cut it, got room at your house Greyt?

That's a bit unfair to lay this on Greyt Owners abandoning dogs and disappearing into the ether demonstrates that they don't give a fig for their dogs and unfortunately contribute to the public's perception that greyhound owners and trainers don't really care for their dogs and treat them as commodities, to be disposed of whenever it suits them. Any trainers left with "dumped" dogs should be reporting the owners to the relevant Greyhound State authority Welfare dept and the dogs given a chance to be assessed by GAP/Greyhound rescue for rehoming. The owners that dump these dogs should never be allowed to own greyhounds or any dogs ever again

[gapvic]

ABC news

[mita]

Owners abandoning dogs and disappearing into the ether demonstrates that they don't give a fig for their dogs and unfortunately contribute to the public's perception that greyhound owners and trainers don't really care for their dogs and treat them as commodities, to be disposed of whenever it suits them. Any trainers left with "dumped" dogs should be reporting the owners to the relevant Greyhound State authority Welfare dept and the dogs given a chance to be assessed by GAP/Greyhound rescue for rehoming. The owners that dump these dogs should never be allowed to own greyhounds or any dogs ever again

Yes.

Good to see groups going public to advocate for fostering & rehoming ex-racing greyhounds, now that numbers are just generally being dumped.

Greyhound rescues in Qld had a morning walk at South Bank to show people how their assessed & fostered greys were lovely dogs for rehoming.

On one rescue's Facebook page reporting on the event, people are offering to bring along their small dogs to the next one, to break a misconception that greys will invariably not be suitable around the smallies. I've offered to take my tibbie girls.

I also gave a statement on how my own precious dog was a smallie tester in a thorough assessment process with GAP. Not once did any of the ex-racers who'd got up to that test, show the slightest inclination to do any harm. Funniest thing was when she had to trot/then run along in front of them, they just tried not to fall over her!

Also delighted to see that AWL Qld, who's a practical supporter of rehoming greyhounds, has opened an up-market collectables/antiques store, name The Cat and Hound, with a greyhound form on their fancy sign. On the swish opening night bash, gorgeous greyhounds were special guests of honour. The pics are divine!

https://www.facebook.com/thecatandhound?fref=photo

Edited March 4, 2015 by mita

[Boronia]

Reasons for live baiting ....

This in the Gympie Times:

http://www.gympietim...-that-/2563958/

DISGRACED greyhound trainer Tom Noble claims that hundreds of greyhounds would have been destroyed by their owners if they hadn't been able to kill live animals.

The Churchable trainer, now banned from the sport for life, said greyhounds who refused to chase were given live kills on the lure in a final bid to prove they could be competitive.

Mr Noble said he was known as someone who could get a dog to chase if the owner was desperate.

"It is the wrong thing to do but if you've got greyhounds and you're desperate, what are you going to do - put your dog down?" he said

"Wouldn't you rather put a feral pig down than your dog if you were in that position yourself?"

edited as I didn't put in all of the article

Edited March 4, 2015 by Boronia

[mita]

It's comments like that bloke's which show the truth of what the decent trainer told us suburbanites years ago. The use of live baiting was a well known 'training technique', not a shady secret only known to some.

Which makes the protestations of the Greyhound Racing authorities that they're shocked & horrified to find it exists.... very hollow.

[Rebanne]

Reasons for live baiting ....

This in the Gympie Times:

http://www.gympietim...-that-/2563958/

DISGRACED greyhound trainer Tom Noble claims that hundreds of greyhounds would have been destroyed by their owners if they hadn't been able to kill live animals.

"It is the wrong thing to do but if you've got greyhounds and you're desperate, what are you going to do - put your dog down?" he said

"Wouldn't you rather put a feral pig down than your dog if you were in that position yourself?"

But they didn't put the feral pig down, they allowed them to be ripped to pieces whilst still alive suffering immensely

[mita]

The Greyhound Walk at South Bank by the greyhound rescue groups, not only got all the TV channels turning up to film for their News ...just heard that one TV camera man is enquiring to adopt one of the greys (a girl).

[sandgrubber]

It's comments like that bloke's which show the truth of what the decent trainer told us suburbanites years ago. The use of live baiting was a well known 'training technique', not a shady secret only known to some.

Which makes the protestations of the Greyhound Racing authorities that they're shocked & horrified to find it exists.... very hollow.

Having watched retrievers with real (live or dead) birds vs. objects like rubber dummies, I can believe that live baiting could make a difference. I have fairly low drive Labradors. I've seen pups with seemingly no retrieve drive kick into very keen behavior when confronted with a dead bird. I had one old girl who I thought was a total retrieve-incompetent. One day when we were walking of the neighbors chooks crossed her path. She quickly and efficiently grasped it across the wings so it couldn't struggle and brought it straight to me.

I'm not arguing in favor of live baiting. It's an ugly practice. Just saying that there may be reasons why trainers have persisted in using the technique.

Edited March 5, 2015 by sandgrubber

[labadore]

The NSW inquiry into the greyhound racing industry by Justice McHugh is to be given "royal commission powers" as "Mr McHugh had asked for special powers to get to the bottom of the issues facing the industry" and the Special Commission of Inquiry will examine the entire industry including animal welfare issues as well as the failure of industry management and supervision . Link and full article below:

Special commission to investigate greyhound racing

Special commission to investigate greyhound racing

Date: March 4, 2015

The greyhound racing industry, its management and some of its barbaric, secret practices including live baiting and shooting unwanted dogs are to be investigated in a new and wide-ranging inquiry with royal commission powers.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing, Troy Grant, has announced a Special Commission of Inquiry, which will examine the entire industry including animal welfare issues as well as the failure of industry management and supervision, and have draft recommendations ready by June.

Mr Grant said on Wednesday the government was determined to do all it could to secure the future integrity of the sport.

"The Baird government takes very seriously the issues facing the greyhound industry in NSW," Mr Grant said.

The move has been welcomed by Greens MP John Kaye, the deputy chair of a parliamentary inquiry held into the industry in 2013. Dr Kaye said at the time that recommendations made they did not go far enough.

"The terms of reference for the inquiry are strong and broad reaching," said Dr Kaye.

"Combined with powers to compel witnesses and execute search warrants, this commission has the ability to shine a light into the darkest corners of the greyhound racing industry."

The announcement comes after Fairfax Media revealed last month that dogs that were considered not fast enough to race or not wanted any more, were being shot in the head at a cost of $50 a bullet and dumped in a graveyard on the property of greyhound trainer.

Although the industry regulator Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) took away the skull of one dog from the graveyard pit promising to return with an excavator to investigate properly, the property owner never heard from the regulator again.

But a spokesman for GRNSW told Fairfax Media the investigation found no evidence of animal cruelty and no case to answer.

Investigations by Fairfax Media during the past two years have revealed serious animal welfare issues including live baiting and the repeated claims of the mass killing of unwanted dogs.

Last month an expose by Animals Australia and Four Corners revealed trainers in three states were using live bait – possums, rabbits and pigs tied to lures and flung around trial tracks to entice dogs to race.

In NSW 11 people have been suspended and 31 dogs have been suspended from racing amid concerns they have been exposed to live baiting.

Following the shocking revelations, Mr Grant forced the board and the CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW to step down and he appointed interim chief executive Paul Newson to oversee the industry while an investigation was carried out by former High Court judge Michael McHugh.

Mr Grant said Mr McHugh had asked for special powers to get to the bottom of the issues facing the industry.

"Justice McHugh came back to me and said he required these powers and that's exactly what we have delivered – he now has the same wide-ranging powers as a royal commission.

Mr Newson welcomed the announcement, saying it would allow a full analysis of the nature and extent of welfare and integrity issues and how existing systems might have undermined the regulator's effectiveness."

"The inquiry will review the management and governance of Greyhound Racing NSW including the circumstances that contributed to serious failures in industry supervision.

In the past two years many industry participants have spoken to Fairfax Media about what they believed was corruption and cronyism and conflicts of interest, in an attempt to clean up the industry for good.

Investigations by Fairfax Media in 2012 exposed serious problems in the industry and followed news that GRNSW integrity auditor David Landa had quit, warning that the position that was supposed to keep a check on the industry had been compromised and was unworkable.