SICK greyhounds seized from a Marsden Park property are recovering well and charges are expected to be laid against a licensed and registered greyhound trainer.
Following inspections at a Marsden Park property on July 3 and 9, RSPCA NSW removed 12 sick greyhounds.
Nine dead greyhounds were also found in a mass grave at the property, RSPCA NSW announced on Thursday, July 12.
RSPCA NSW acting chief inspector Andrew Clachers said a tip off from a member of the public led the organisation to inspect the property.
“We received a complaint from a member of the public, who expressed to us their concerns about greyhounds,” he told the Gazette.
Mr Clachers added that RSPCA NSW treated all tip offs anonymously.
He said the 12 living greyhounds were now receiving medical care after being taken from the property.
“They are receiving veterinary treatment now,” he said.
“They will receive dental surgery, a lot of them had very bad dental disease. A lot of them are just receiving food.
“They are all recovering well and we will seek to re-home them.”
The mass grave discovered on the property contained the bodies of nine greyhounds, in varying states of decomposition.
Mr Clachers said anytime a mass grave was discovered it was horrific for inspectors.
“It is stomach turning for the officers on the property who have to pull the greyhounds out of a mass pit,” he said.
“It is greyhounds in varying states of decomposition. It is a terrible job to have to do.”
Mr Clachers said no more greyhounds were on the property.
In its initial release, RSPCA NSW noted that it was nearly two years to the date since the then Mike Baird-led state government announced it would ban the greyhound racing industry.
Mr Clachers said he was dismayed to see this kind of behaviour still occurring given the scrutiny on the industry.
“With all that has happened over the last two years and with all the community spotlight on this industry, we are shocked that this kind of thing can still be happening,” he said.
Mr Clachers said he expected charges would be laid against the trainer, who at the time was licensed and registered.
“There is a process for us to go through but I expect charges to be laid,” he said.
The Gazette also contacted the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission, which was established on July 1 to regulate the industry, after the state government backed down on banning greyhound racing.
A spokesperson for the commission offered this statement.
“The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC), in partnership with the RSPCA, is investigating serious alleged animal cruelty at a property in Marsden Park, NSW,” they said.
“A number of dogs from the property have been seized by and surrendered to the RSPCA.
“Investigations are on-going and GWIC is providing the RSPCA with continued support.
“Legally no further comment can be made as investigations are ongoing.”