Victoria greyhound trainer suspended for alleged luring and baiting offences

The Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has taken the decision after carrying out an investigation.

Australia.- The Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has suspended a greyhound trainer in Victoria for allegedly being involved in luring and baiting offences.

Last December, the GRV’s Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit checked a property in North Central Victoria and found evidence related to these offences. The investigation continues and, according to the GRV, it could include potential violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).

GRV chief executive officer Stuart Laing said: “We have made it very clear that the industry has zero tolerance for any baiting offences, which not only impact animal welfare but also undermine the integrity of the sport and damages the reputation of the greyhound racing industry.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of GRV’s Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit, that has led to the identification of these alleged breaches, and the swift action that has been taken.

“Our Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit is highly vigilant and will investigate allegations and evidence and take appropriate action, including consideration of any potential criminal breaches of Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 as well as offences under the Rules of Racing.”

The name of the suspended trainer has not been disclosed and the GRV said no further comment on this matter will be made while the investigation is continuing.

See also: New Zealand government to ban greyhound racing

For the 2023/24 financial year, the GRV posted an AU$13.1m (US$8.59m) operating loss and a net loss after depreciation and infrastructure projects of AU$22.7m (US$14.89m). National domestic turnover was AU$2.98bn (US$1.96bn), down 13 per cent year-on-year. The downturn has led to the introduction of a cost reduction programme.

Participant returns reached AU$72.87m (US$47.81m). That’s a 35 per cent increase compared to the 2020-21 period.

The GRV reported that 2,581 greyhounds were rehomed, 1,009 of them first-time adoptions facilitated by its Greyhound Adoption Program. Over 2,800 property inspections were conducted, an increase from 1,711 in 2022-23.

During the 2023/24 financial year, the GRV completed an AU$3.5m (US$2.30m) upgrade of the Sale facility which included track improvements, new rail and lure systems and track lighting. A new racing operations centre and kennel block were completed at Ballarat. Meanwhile, the rollout of GRV’s digital greyhound tracking initiative continued following an AU$1.67m (US$1.10m) commitment from the Victoria government.

See also: Tasmanian petition calls for end to state funding for greyhound racing

The Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has taken the decision after carrying out an investigation. Australia.- The Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) has suspended a greyhound trainer in Victoria for allegedly being involved…