More tracks raided in greyhound live-baiting probe

Raids on greyhound trainers in Casey have been conducted over the past week. 131207 Picture: GARY SISSONS

By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

GREYHOUND training properties in Casey have been raided by RSPCA Victoria and Casey police in the past week.
This morning, an RSPCA spokeswoman said six warrants were executed at “known greyhound training properties” as part of a “continuing investigation into greyhound racing” on 26 August.
She said 13 warrants had been executed in the past six days.
“The investigation is on-going and no further information can be released at this time.”
The raids follow allegations of live-baiting of greyhounds, which resulted in the closure and suspension of the Tooradin Trial Track since February.
This month, the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board banned the track’s manager Stuart Mills from greyhound racing for life.
Four trainers have been banned for life and two people disqualified over live-baiting at the track.
A further 11 trainers have been charged and are awaiting hearings at the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board.
GRV chairman Bernie Carolan said at the time the industry was “better off” without Mr Mills.
“Live baiting is a horrible indictment on the greyhound racing industry and people who are proved to be involved in the deplorable act have severely let the broader greyhound racing industry down and for that they should be ashamed and penalised,” Mr Carolan said.
In June, a state-commissioned report by Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna concluded “clandestine” live baiting of greyhounds was “well known” and unlikely to be confined to the Tooradin track.
The investigations were launched after ABC TV aired covert footage in February of live possums and rabbits twitching on lures and mauled by greyhounds at the trial track.