Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has issued a 15-year warning off against former industry participant Simon Humphries following his convictions for animal cruelty offences under Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Animal welfare is GRV’s highest priority. Conduct involving the mistreatment of animals is unacceptable and has no place in greyhound racing.

The sanction follows a Stewards investigation and subsequent court proceedings, in which Mr Humphries was convicted of animal cruelty offences and handed a $1000 fine plus costs.

Following consideration of the court outcome and the circumstances of the matter, GRV Stewards determined that a 15-year warning off period was appropriate to protect animal welfare, uphold the integrity of the sport and maintain public confidence in the industry’s regulatory framework.

The warning off order prohibits Mr Humphries from participating in or attending greyhound racing activities for the duration of the penalty. It also prohibits GRV-registered participants from associating or engaging with Mr Humphries in relation to greyhound racing activities.

GRV remains committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity and will continue to take strong action where conduct falls short of those standards.

The full Stewards Report is available at fasttrack.grv.org.au.