The New South Wales Government has seized on the release of photographs showing animal cruelty by a greyhound trainer as further evidence of the need to close down the industry.
The photographic evidence from the RSPCA has been released after greyhound trainer John Thomas Baskett was convicted for animal cruelty in March.
The case arose after inspectors of the RSPCA and Greyhound Racing NSW raided a shed in Marsden Park in western Sydney which housed five greyhounds in August last year.
According to a statement of facts tendered in court, they found an overpowering stench, poor ventilation, almost no light and dogs sleeping on mud.
RSPCA Chief Inspector David O'Shannessy, said "that one dog [called Bossey] was lame ... hopping around on three legs".
Deputy Premier Troy Grant said "as the evidence continues to mount of horrific mistreatment of greyhounds, it continues to erode the industry's claim that we are looking at a couple of bad apples".
"Turning a blind eye to this sort of behaviour is just as intolerable as inflicting this sort of cruelty yourself," he said.
Baskett, a registered greyhound trainer since 2002, was convicted in March on one count of failing to provide veterinary treatment to an animal under the prevention of cruelty to animals act.
Inspector O'Shannessy said Bossey was severely underweight and "close examination by the vet confirmed there was an injury to that right rear leg and it was also painful to touch. The dog was also found to have grade two dental disease".
In a statement tendered to court, Baskett said he intended to take the dog to the vet in the week of the raid.
However, Inspector O'Shannessy said it was the opinion of a vet that treatment was needed two weeks before the animal was seized.
He added that the RSPCA often uncovered similar problems in the greyhound racing industry.
"There appears to be incidences of animals requiring treatment yet the owners, whether it's for cost or finances, make their own self diagnosis and that is often a misdiagnosis."
Baskett was forced to pay a total of almost $10,000 in fines, legal fees and vet costs, but was allowed to keep the greyhound. The shed has since been demolished.
State Opposition Leader Luke Foley urged the Government to "throw the book at those who do the wrong thing, but look after the thousands of good men and women in the industry".
"Labor will move in the Parliament for mandatory life bans and prison terms for anyone who engages in the despicable act of life baiting," he said.
Legislation to close down the greyhound racing industry will be introduced into the NSW Parliament next week.
This story originally appeared on ABC News.
© 2015 Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved. Read the ABC Disclaimer here.
Top Comments
I am going to be screamed down, Im sure, but I'm here to support the good, honest trainers that love their dogs. My husband, who is only 35, trained a number of successful greyhounds during his late teens and early 20s. He knew many in the industry, a lot who were a lot older than him, and they are still friends today. These people had proper kennels and grassed yards, did not live bait, and really looked after their dogs with quality food (low fat beef and kangaroo mince, vegetables, rice and pasta - not cheap kibble. In fact many greyhounds can't stomach cheap supermarket kibble but that's another story). Dogs that didn't make the grade were kept as pets or rehomed to family and friends as pets. Vet treatment was a significant cost for many of these trainers. My husband, as a slightly tearaway teenager, found the straight and narrow through a friendship he formed with a wry greyhound trainer in his 70s. They really were the odd couple but they were the best of friends. When the local greyhound track closed many of these trainers ceased in the sport. Many still have one or two of their dogs as pets and the rest went to programs such as GAP or to friends, including some on farms. Not that a greyhound, despite their speed, is much of a farm dog. Too lazy! My point is that for every horrible trainer there are many, many good ones who do the right thing and train, love and treat their dogs well. We would like to see the government crack down on the rogues, not punish everyone. I doubt this will happen, and I'm pretty sure the ban will remain. That said the government now needs to channel funding into the rehoming programs who are already at breaking point without the funds or staff (many of whom are volunteers) to cope with current rehoming demands, let alone the influx of demand they will receive mid next year. This is also a good time for me to point out that greyhounds are NOT a vicious breed. No more so than any other dog. Those that are rehomed through an adoption program are generally more 'household' friendly but those that haven't aren't wild bests, they just haven't lived in a house or backyard before. If you can I urge you to adopt a greyhound. We have and our girl is the perfect addition to our family, which includes our young daughter. Our greyhound is happy and cuddly, loves to cosy up for a sleep and is perfect out in public on a walk. It's the little fluff balls that bark and snarl, not our dog! That's enough from me. Just remember there are two sides to every story and most people do the right thing.
THANK YOU! Thank you thank you thank you. I am so glad you stuck up for the industry.
We have 2 greyhounds through GAP and the biggest surprise for me after we got them was public perception. People cross the street to steer clear of us. I wish they knew just how loving they are. One lady even (not so quietly) sneered to her children to be careful because they are vicious dogs. This is the only time I have snapped back at someone.
Well that's a pleasant comment I didn't expect given my opinion is not very PC at the moment. But you're so welcome and well done for adopting your two greys, who I am sure are lovely. We have had a lot of people stop us in the street to ask about our dog, their temperament, adoption and the industry. We are only too happy to educate. I don't blame those that think greyhounds are vicious. Wouldn't you if you saw a dog in a muzzle? I always explain they are outdated laws from the 60s and invite them to greet (let the dog sniff the back of your hand) and pat our girl. We have a great role to play here in educating the public and encouraging more to adopt. Thanks again for your lovely comment.
I'm glad to see some comments here already that back us all up on getting this industry shut down. Thank you, you have no idea how much impact each person can have.
I don't normally do this as I like privacy but this is an issue close to my heart, I am hoping we can garner support for Tas to follow suit and will be doing a petition soon - I'm the mum on that page so not hard to find, our main admin is the one who is well known, I prefer keeping to myself and never normally identify myself but for this I will as we see the worst of the worst and this is an industry that had years to regulate things yet didn't, and now use the "few bad apples" card.
When you are in animal welfare and see what happens along with the huge amount of rescues then it's never been a "a few", it's been whole crates.
Foster carers and new homes are always needed, here is a list of rescues for each state - http://www.animalsaustralia...
Our page is on facebook and called Stop Tasmanian Animal Cruelty, the focus is Aus wide however.
Always love meeting fellow animal lovers so pop by and say hello, you'll get our main admin so if you want to speak with me ask for the admin with CW as initials :- )