Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is aware of, and deeply disturbed by, an incident yesterday where a registered person allegedly discharged a firearm in the vicinity of two GRV Animal Welfare Officers and two other GRV staff and then allegedly attempted to assault them while they undertook a routine property inspection.

The GRV staff members that were involved are assisting police with their investigation of the incident and the GRV Chief Steward has commenced an inquiry.

GRV Chairman, Bernie Carolan, said it was outrageous to think that GRV compliance team members, who are in their role to assist participants with ensuring their properties are compliant with the Domestic Animal Act’s Code of Practice for the Operation of Greyhound Establishments, would come under such an attack.

“If these allegations are proven to be correct then this is another example of the kind of behaviour that is not welcome in the Victorian greyhound racing industry, or anywhere for that matter. To think that someone could do this to staff there to help them is unfathomable,” Mr Carolan said.

“GRV employs welfare and compliance staff to help participants look after their greyhounds and ensure they are meeting the requirements of state legislation. Any view of their role to the contrary is simply uneducated.”

The staff members involved are receiving support via GRV’s Employee Assistance Program.

GRV will not comment any further on this matter as the incident is now under investigation by police and GRV Stewards.