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Live baiting probe in SA greyhound racing

UPDATED: Greyhound Racing SA is investigating allegations of live baiting by a local trainer and has cancelled their training license and registration, in what the peak body says could be the state’s first case of the “abhorrent” practice.

Aug 25, 2022, updated Aug 25, 2022
Photo: AAP

Photo: AAP

Greyhound Racing SA, RSPCA SA inspectors and SA Police searched a property north of Adelaide yesterday after a warrant was executed to collect evidence.

In a statement this afternoon, RSPCA SA said a licenced greyhound trainer who lives at the property was present during the search and several items were seized.

Greyhound Racing said it had immediately suspended the trainer’s licence and registration.

Live baiting is illegal in South Australia, with offenders facing four years’ imprisonment or a $50,000 fine, as well as a lifetime racing ban.

“If confirmed, this would be the first case of live baiting ever recorded in South Australia,” Greyhound Racing SA said.

“Live baiting is an abhorrent practice and goes against everything Greyhound Racing SA stands for as an organisation, a sport and a community.”

Greyhound Racing SA said it would support the RSPCA and SA Police in any subsequent criminal proceedings that may arise from its investigation.

The peak body and regulator said it would keep stakeholders informed.

“We have a proven commitment to animal welfare and our focus on integrity underpins everything we do,” it said.

“We have an absolute zero-tolerance approach to any participant found to be in breach of those standards.”

RSPCA SA said it would not provide further comment while the investigation takes place.

It comes after Four Corners in 2015 aired graphic footage of live piglets, possums and rabbits being used to “blood” greyhounds during secret training sessions interstate.

The disturbing videos showed animals being tied to mechanical lures and flung around tracks at high speeds to act as a bait for the dogs to chase and kill.

According to the RSPCA, live baiting may also involve trainers pulling animals on leads or ropes and inciting dogs to catch them.

The use of live animals for baiting in greyhound racing is illegal in all states and territories.

In response to the Four Corners investigation, the New South Wales Government in 2016 announced it would ban greyhound racing, but that decision was aborted within three months after fierce industry backlash.

InDaily reported in January that a political push in South Australia to mandate reporting requirements for the greyhound racing industry appeared to be losing support.

Greyhound Racing SA undertook back in 2016 to make its dog breeding and euthanasia data publicly available.

It reported in its annual report in December that 21 dogs died on the track – up by three on the previous year.

There were also 11 more “deaths by natural causes” than the previous year, 44 compared to 33.

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