Two Hawkesbury men have had their registration with Greyhound Racing suspended following allegations of live baiting.
It follows raids on a home in Londonderry and a training track at Box Hill on Wednesday by RSPCA inspectors.
The men, Zeke Kadir of Londonderry and John Cauchi of Box Hill [not the John Cauchi who runs All Stock Feeds at 13 Edwards Road, Box Hill], have been stood down pending further investigations.
The registration of the Box Hill Trial Track has also been suspended.
Greyhound Racing NSW [GRNSW] chief steward Clint Bentley said via a statement on the group’s website, that the decision to stand the men down was made due to the seriousness of the allegations against them.
‘‘While the investigations are only beginning, the allegations are of such a serious nature that we felt it imperative to suspend the participants immediately,’’ Mr Bentley said.
‘‘GRNSW is liaising with RSPCA NSW to find out more information on the raids and how we can further assist in this matter.’’
The RSPCA was given footage of alleged live baiting at greyhound training tracks in western Sydney and at other sites around the state on February 2.
According to an RSPCA statement, the video footage showed live rabbits and possums being used to encourage greyhounds to make their way around the track.
Some of these animals were subjected to extreme distress before eventually being caught and mauled.
RSPCA inspectors, in conjunction with police, were able to inspect a number of sites within a short time of receiving the footage.
RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman told the Gazette that it was deeply troubling to see animals, whether pests or companions, subjected to such pain.
“After receiving the footage, an immediate investigation was on the way and we will do the best we can to make sure this illegal activity is stopped,’’ Mr Coleman said.
‘‘It all comes down to the money, which is devastating. There will always be the minority to find the competitive advantage. On a positive note, we have a great working relationship with GRNSW, which will assist with investigations and identifying others across the region.
“The use of live rabbits or any animal for training in the greyhound industry is illegal, with fines of up to $110,000 for a corporation and $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for an individual.’’
The Gazette tried to contact both Zeke Kadir and John Cauchi for comment but was unsuccessful.
The RSPCA is continuing its investigations. Anyone with information should ring 13002783589.
