The Office of Racing Integrity has cleared greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock of animal welfare allegations that led to the investigation of his property. But, RSPCA says Tasmania's dog welfare laws were still insufficient.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In August this year, Animal Liberation Tasmania released drone footage of greyhounds on the property that also showed images of animal carcasses discarded on the ground and in the back of a ute.
It prompted an inspection of the property on that day, the following day and four days later, and a report by the Office of Racing Integrity, with the RSPCA, was released on Friday.
Investigation of live baiting
Regarding possible evidence of live baiting, ORI's report said the discovery of animal parts led to the suspension of Mr Bullock's licence.
It said that the alleged possession of an animal part that was "reasonably likely to be capable of being used as a lure" raised a potential breach of national greyhound industry rules.
A breach of the live baiting rules could lead to a lifetime ban, the report said.
"The Director, as the Controlling Body, considered the circumstances and formed the opinion that it would be inappropriate to allow Mr Bullock to continue to participate and nominate into races whilst such a matter was reviewed," it said.
ORI Director of Racing Justin Helmich said other matters in relation to the video footage remain under active investigation.
"The outcome of that investigation will be publicly reported once complete."
No charges laid in respect of animal welfare
On August 3 secretly recorded drone footage of Mr Bullock's Exeter property near Launceston was released on social media which showed greyhounds and a horse, as well as animal carcasses at the rear of the property, and a horse's head and dead wallaby in the tray of a vehicle.
An investigation found up to 13 greyhounds living at the property had dental issues, others were dehydrated, anaemic or infested with fleas or worms, one had a skin injury consistent with muzzle use and one had a raw and bleeding tail lesion.
The dogs were living in both indoor and outdoor pens, the dogs living outside were not wearing rugs, and their pens were considered so hazardous they were ordered to be moved.
In ORI's joint report with the RSPCA, its chief veterinarian found the welfare of the dogs and horses at the property to be "generally acceptable".
RSPCA Tasmania said there was no breach of Tasmanian animal welfare laws but added this was due to inadequate legislation.
"RSPCA Tasmania considers this to be a result of deficiencies in the legislation rather than a reflection of appropriate and adequate care and conditions provided by Mr Bullock for his dogs," it said.
The RSPCA raised the matter of a horse "in poor condition" that was viewed in the drone footage of the property, but which was not present during RSPCA inspections.
"[RSPCA] Inspectors learned that the horse had been euthanised," it said.
"Inspectors also received a version of events from Mr Bullock that plausibly explained the condition of the horse. Given that there was no physical evidence of the horse at the time of inspection, there was no recourse to provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 1993."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
