All the latest news and announcements regarding current issues affecting greyhound racing.

Wednesday 11 March 

Statement from GRV Interim Chair Michael Harms

Whilst the office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner stated that there is no evidence that the GRV Board, CEO or senior management knew about the practice of live baiting occurring in Victoria in his interim report today, the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has today informed the Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, of their intention to individually offer their resignations, which the Minister has accepted.

This is a decision, which has not been taken lightly given the significant work that occurred since the new board was installed in 2012 with the implementation of a new five-year strategic plan of which Greyhound welfare is at its core, but is in the interests of clearing the way for GRV and the Victorian Government to continue to restore public confidence to greyhound racing.

It is our firm view that the vast majority of those involved in greyhound racing in Victoria are good, honest people who treat animals with respect.

It is disgraceful and unacceptable that a small number of criminals have behaved so heinously, and the Victorian public is right to demand answers.

As a Board, we fully support the swift actions taken so far by GRV and by the government in addressing and investigating this criminal conduct and welcome the commissioner’s full report in April which we expect will further vindicate the Board’s record of looking after the greyhounds’ welfare since 2012.

Related:

Pakula: New GRV Board to Lead Charge Against Live Baiting

Racing Integrity Commissioner: Commissioner Delivers Report into Live Baiting Allegations in Greyhound Racing

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Friday 27 February

Interim injunction by Supreme Court – Awesome Project

Late this evening, the Supreme Court of Victoria granted an interim injunction allowing Awesome Project to take its place in the Australian Cup heats tomorrow night.  The question as to whether that injunction should be extended remains to be determined by the Court.

At its meeting on Tuesday 24 February, the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) resolved to amend existing local racing rules and introduce a new rule that prohibits the transfer of greyhounds from suspended persons to registered persons residing at the same property.

The owner of Awesome Project, Mr Brad Canty, and its former trainers took the decision to seek injunctive relief in the Supreme Court of Victoria.  After hearing extensive argument on the matter, the Court granted Mr Canty an interim injunction and, consequently, the greyhound must be reinstated into the field for Race 11 at The Meadows on Saturday 28 February 2015.

GRV Chief Executive Adam Wallish said, “The practice of live baiting is the most serious issue confronting the industry.  Although we are disappointed with the outcome of this evening’s hearing, and respect the decision of the Court, we will continue take all available action to eradicate the practice of live baiting and take all available action against any individual involved in the practice of live baiting.”

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Awesome Project ruled out of Australian Cup

At its meeting on Tuesday 24 February, the Board of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) resolved to amend existing local racing rules and introduce a new rule that prohibits the transfer of greyhounds from suspended persons to registered persons residing at the same property.

The GRV Board amended Local Racing Rule LRR 11.7 and introduced LRR 11.8 specifically addressing the situation that allowed suspended persons to transfer greyhounds to another registered person living at the same property.

Those amendments to the Local Racing Rules were published in the Government Gazette today and came into effect at 9am.

The Board today resolved that in accordance with LRR 11.8 that the transfer of greyhounds from suspended person D McDonald to J Gane on or after the 14th February 2015 are voided.

As a consequence, those greyhounds engaged to compete in an event have been withdrawn by Stewards from their respective races. Therefore;

• Urban Cargo is ineligible to compete in Race 5 at Geelong on Friday 27 February 2015.
• Awesome Project is ineligible to compete in Race 11 at The Meadows on Saturday 28 February 2015.

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Monday 23 February 

Statement from GRV Chair Peter Caillard

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Saturday 20 February

GRV wishes to clarify its statement made last night regarding the suspensions of greyhounds.

On advice from the Racing Integrity Commissioner on Tuesday 17 February the Board of GRV immediately suspended greyhounds owned or trained by registered persons previously suspended by the board on Friday 13 February in relation to live baiting allegations.

Subsequently, upon receipt of further legal advice the GRV board has resolved if the owners of the suspended greyhounds provide a statutory declaration stating that, having made reasonable inquiries, they are not aware of their greyhound having been trained using live bait the greyhound’s suspension will be lifted.

If further evidence is received regarding any particular greyhound having been trained using these illegal methods the suspension of that greyhound may be reinstated.

The 15 suspended trainers identified in the video footage remain suspended as the investigation continues.

GRV Chairman Peter Caillard said, “This situation is incredibly complex. We are working within the constraints of the law to do what we can to prevent those associated with the live baiting allegations from taking part in the sport any further. Importantly, this latest resolution is founded upon a presumption of innocence on the part of the owners.”

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Friday 20 February

Update on suspended greyhounds

In accordance with advice received from the Racing Integrity Commissioner, Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) acted promptly to suspend greyhounds trained by persons alleged to have engaged in the practice of live baiting, pending an inquiry by the Stewards.

The Board of GRV yesterday received a report from the Chief Steward in relation to the progress of that inquiry.

Following receipt of that information, the Board has resolved to lift the suspensions provided that it receives a statutory declaration from the owner stating that, having made reasonable inquiries, they are not aware of the relevant greyhound having been trained using live baiting.

Needless to say, the suspension may be reinstated if subsequent evidence has been received that the greyhound has been trained in such a manner.

Suspensions under this Board resolution will be lifted in relation to greyhounds only. The 15 alleged offenders suspended by GRV in relation to live baiting offences remain suspended.

Update on suspended persons

Greyhound Racing Victoria refers to its Media Statement yesterday titled “Update: Suspended Persons”  in which it was stated that the Board resolved to suspend the registrations of an additional five persons for alleged live baiting offences at the Tooradin Trial Track. The five alleged offenders are; Kenneth Hodges, Brett Mackie, James Reynolds, Jon Roberts and Eric Sykes.

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Thursday 19 February

Artificial lures now mandatory at all trial tracks

The board of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has resolved that only artificial materials are permitted for use as a lure for the purpose of training a greyhound. This is effective immediately.

Update: Suspended Persons 

Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) immediately suspended the registration of the Tooradin Trial Track and the registrations of ten persons on Friday 13 February for alleged live baiting offences at that facility. GRV has today been advised it can name those alleged offenders. The names are as follows; Paul Anderton, Kerry Chalker, Chris Connelly, Laurie Cunningham, Dennis Dean, Neville King, Darren McDonald, Anthony Mills, Stuart Mills, and Bob Smith.

On Wednesday 18 February GRV Stewards received the full video recording of alleged activities at the Tooradin Trial Track from the Racing Integrity Commissioner. Today, following a review of that video and in accordance with the ongoing GRV Stewards inquiry, the Chief Steward provided an update to the GRV board. In accordance with the advice of the Chief Steward, the board resolved to suspend the registrations of an additional five persons for alleged live baiting offenses at the Tooradin Trial Track. Having regard for legal advice received, GRV is unable to name these five individuals at this stage.

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Tuesday 17 February

GRV moves to suspend greyhounds
On the advice of the Racing Integrity Commissioner, the board of Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has resolved to suspend any greyhound trained and/or owned by the ten persons suspended by the board, on Friday 13 February, in relation to live baiting. This suspension will continue until the Racing Integrity Commissioner and GRV have concluded their investigations into these serious allegations.

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Tuesday 17 February

Suspended persons unable to be named immediately

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Tuesday 17 February

Chairman Peter Caillard and CEO Adam Wallish join Shane Anderson on RSN

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Tuesday 17 February

GRV CEO Adam Wallish on Triple M Hot Breakfast
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Tuesday 17 February

GRV Chairman Peter Caillard and CEO Adam Wallish speak to Andrew Maher and Andrew Gaze on SEN
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Monday 16 February
GRV Media Statement: GRV disgusted by live-baiting
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Monday 16 February

Government moves to strengthen animal welfare in greyhound racing.

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Monday 16 February

Greyhounds Australasia Media Statement: Greyhound racing industry disgusted by Four Corners revelations; takes decisive action
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Friday 13 February
GRV Media Statement: GRV suspends 10 for live baiting at Tooradin
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