2015 Australian greyhound racing live baiting scandal

Wikipedia:AI noticeboard/JasonGen October 2026 Animal welfare scandal in Australia July 2016 July 2026 The 2015 Australian greyhound racing live baiting scandal was a major animal welfare controversy in the Australian greyhound racing industry involving the use of live animals to train racing greyhounds. On 16 February 2015, the ABC television current affairs program Four Corners broadcast covert footage showing live piglets, possums and rabbits being used as bait on training tracks in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.Meldrum-Hanna Caro Clark, Sam Making a Killing http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2015/02/16/4178920.htm abc.net.au 18 February 2015 16 February 2015Then and Now: 12 Months of Reform http://www.grnsw.com.au/uploads/GRNSW-infographic-Then-%26-Now-A3-2.2.pdf Greyhound Racing NSW February 2016 5 September 2016 7 July 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160707050813/http://www.grnsw.com.au/uploads/GRNSW-infographic-Then-%26-Now-A3-2.2.pdf dead The program alleged that the practice had occurred over a number of years despite industry regulations prohibiting the practice. The revelations prompted widespread public condemnation, the suspension of trainers and officials, and a series of government inquiries. In July 2016, the NSW Government announced a ban on greyhound racing to take effect from 1 July 2017, and the Australian Capital Territory announced a similar prohibition from 30 April 2018. The NSW ban was reversed in October 2016 following political and industry opposition, subject to new regulatory conditions. Background Greyhound racing in Australia Greyhound racing is an organised, competitive sport in which greyhounds are raced around a track, chasing a mechanical lure over a fixed distance. Historically, the sport is based on the principle of coursing.Genders, Roy 1981 The Encyclopaedia of Greyhound Racing Pelham Books Ltd 0-7207-1106-1 It is a legalised form of gambling in many jurisdictions. Some greyhound trainers believe that greyhounds will chase better, and hence have a greater chance of winning the race, if they have chased and caught a live animal during training.August 2016 The live bait animal is either attached to the mechanical lure, dragged in front of the greyhound, or thrown to it. The greyhound will often maim or kill the bait animal, resulting in death.August 2016 Controversy The greyhound industry and the law provide harsh penalties for the use of live baits in training.ANIMAL WELFARE PENALTY GUIDELINES http://www.grv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Animal-Welfare-Penalty-Guidelines-July-1-2014.pdf grv.org.au 18 February 2015Is the use of live baits and lures in greyhound racing illegal? http://kb.rspca.org.au/Is-the-use-of-live-baits-and-lures-in-greyhound-racing-and-other-dog-racing-illegal_241.html rspca.org.au 18 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150219145055/http://kb.rspca.org.au/Is-the-use-of-live-baits-and-lures-in-greyhound-racing-and-other-dog-racing-illegal_241.html 19 February 2015 dead Nevertheless, accusations of live baiting in the Australian greyhound industry have arisen from time to time.O'Brien Natalie Vets claim live animals used as bait to train greyhounds http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/vets-claim-live-animals-used-as-bait-to-train-greyhounds-20131123-2y2hg.html 18 February 2015 The Sydney Morning Herald 24 November 2013 On 16 February 2015, Four Corners exposed live baiting on training tracks in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.https://australianracinggreyhound.com/news/abc-live-baiting-investigation-draws-blood/61358/ ABC live-baiting investigation draws blood 17 February 2015 The program included graphic surveillance footage, filmed by pro-animal activists, that showed various small animals being tied to mechanical lures where they were chased, caught and attacked by greyhounds for up to 30 minutes. Some animals had young taken and given to the dogs. The program also included interviews with many leading greyhound trainers and administrators who denied the practice of live baiting; some of them were subsequently shown to be involved in the live baiting.Olding Rachel Allegations of systemic cheating and live baiting within greyhound racing industry uncovered by Four Corners http://www.smh.com.au/sport/allegations-of-systemic-cheating-and-live-baiting-within-greyhound-racing-industry-uncovered-by-four-corners-20150217-13gi30.html 19 February 2015 smh.com.au 17 February 2015 The program’s graphic content drew immediate and widespread criticism from animal protection groupsPiglets, possums and rabbits tortured in sadistic greyhound training 'rituals' http://www.animalsaustralia.org/take_action/greyhound-racing-live-baiting-exposed animalsaustralia.org 19 February 2015Belot Henry RSPCA calls for tighter regulation of greyhound industry http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/rspca-calls-for-tighter-regulation-of-greyhound-industry-20150217-13gu65.html 19 February 2015 17 February 2015 and the wider community.Casey Brendan Public outrage over live baiting in greyhound racing following ABC Four Corners investigation http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/public-outrage-over-live-baiting-in-greyhound-racing-following-abc-four-corners-investigation/story-fni0fit3-1227222407215 19 February 2015 herald Sun Melbourne National Party Member of Parliament and Minister Barnaby Joyce criticised activists who apparently trespassed to record video of live baiting by trainers.Owens Jared Cormick, Brendan Barnaby Joyce criticises activists in greyhound live-bait expose http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/barnaby-joyce-criticises-activists-in-greyhound-live-bait-expose/story-e6frg6nf-1227223167503 https://web.archive.org/web/20150502010026/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/barnaby-joyce-criticises-activists-in-greyhound-live-bait-expose/story-e6frg6nf-1227223167503 dead 2 May 2015 19 February 2015 The Australian 17 February 2015 Reactions Australian Capital Territory After announcement of the intended NSW ban, Chief Minister Andrew Barr stated that greyhound racing would be banned in the ACT.Belot Henry ACT government says it can no longer support greyhound racing after NSW decision http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/act-government-under-pressure-to-ban-greyhound-racing-after-nsw-decision-20160707-gq0gz1.html 21 July 2016 Canberra Times 11 July 2016 New South Wales Five registered participants were immediately stood down.Greyhound Racing NSW stands down five over live baiting allegations http://www.smh.com.au/sport/greyhound-racing-nsw-stands-down-five-over-live-baiting-allegations-20150213-13dxvq.html 19 February 2015 The Sydney Morning Herald 13 February 2015 The Greyhound Racing NSW board was dismissedGreyhound Racing NSW board dismissed amid revelations of live baiting http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-19/entire-board-of-nsw-greyhound-racing-dismissed/6144352 ABC News 18 February 2015 Australia 19 February 2015 and the Chief Executive Officer, Brent Hogan, stood aside. Former High Court of Australia justice Michael McHugh was appointed to lead a review of the industry.Roots Chris Greyhound racing live baiting revelations should be a turning point for industry, says new chief executive http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/greyhound-racing-live-baiting-revelations-should-be-a-turning-point-for-industry-says-new-chief-executive-20150219-13jq2s.html 19 February 2015 The Sydney Morning Herald 18 February 2015 Following the McHugh inquiry, the Premier announced on 7 July 2016 that greyhound racing would be banned in NSW from 1 July 2017.http://www.smh.com.au/sport/nsw-premier-mike-baird-announces-ban-on-greyhound-racing-after-special-commission-of-inquiry-20160707-gq0fw3.html NSW Premier Mike Baird announces ban on greyhound racing after Special Commission of Inquiry The Sydney Morning Herald 7 July 2016 7 July 2016 On 2 August a rally opposing the ban was held at Hyde Park, Sydney.Hundreds protest greyhound racing ban as Mike Baird seeks to calm MPs https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/02/nsw-liberal-mp-attacks-mike-baird-over-greyhound-racing-ban 10 August 2016 The Guardian Australian Associated Press 1 August 2016 On 5 August 2016 an alliance of greyhound racing groups took the matter to the Supreme Court of NSW in pursuit of a declaration that the inquiry report was invalid.Greyhound racing ban: industry alliance launches challenge in supreme court https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jul/29/greyhound-racing-ban-industry-alliance-launches-challenge-in-supreme-court 10 August 2016 The Guardian Australian Associated Press 29 July 2016 After running newspaper advertisements supporting the ban, the NSW Government was criticised by Brenton Scott, the chief executive of the Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association. Luke Foley, NSW Labor leader, led his party's opposition to the ban.Davey Melissa Anti-greyhound racing ads a misuse of NSW public funds, says industry https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/01/anti-greyhound-racing-ads-a-misuse-of-nsw-public-funds-says-industry 10 August 2016 The Guardian 1 August 2016 In August 2016 legislation was introduced into the NSW Legislative Assembly and three National MPs crossed the floor to vote against the government; with one Liberal MP abstaining from the vote. Despite these protests, the legislation passed the lower house.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-24/greyhound-racing-prohibition-bill-passed-by-nsw-parliament/7779222 Fogarty, Siobhan Greyhound racing ban: Nationals MPs cross floor as bill passes Parliament ABC News Australia 24 August 2016 26 August 2016http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/greyhound-racing-banned-after-bill-passes-nsw-parliament-20160823-gqzj0f.html Nicholls, Sean Greyhound racing banned after bill passes NSW parliament The Sydney Morning Herald Australia 24 August 2016 26 August 2016 On 11 October 2016 the reversal of the NSW ban was announced, with several conditions.Glanville Brigid Gerathy Sarah NSW Premier confirms backflip on greyhound racing ban http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-11/greyhound-ban-baird-government-confirms-backflip/7921000 11 October 2016 ABC News Australian Broadcasting Corporation 11 October 2016 In the wake of the NSW greyhound racing ban, the NSW Government established the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) separating the regulatory, welfare and integrity aspects of NSW greyhound racing from the business, commercial and marketing responsibilities which continue under Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW).https://australianracinggreyhound.com/nsw-greyhound-ban/ Greyhound Racing NSW Greyhound Ban | Australian Greyhound Racing News & Betting 8 May 2018 Queensland 13 trainers are under investigation; 6 have been suspended. Macro Meats withdrew its sponsorship of the sport. Jonathan Brown resigned as an ambassador. One trainer was removed from the Racing Queensland Hall of Fame.Newman Beth Racing Queensland says greyhound sponsor withdrawal 'understandable' http://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing-queensland-says-greyhound-sponsor-withdrawal-understandable-20150218-13ilyk.html 19 February 2015 smh.com.au 19 February 2015 The racing industry integrity officer was stood down.Oberhardt Mark Queensland greyhound racing's integrity officer stood down http://www.smh.com.au/sport/queensland-greyhound-racings-integrity-officer-stood-down-20150222-13lq2h.html 23 February 2015 smh.com.au 22 February 2015 All Racing Queensland boards dismissed.https://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/qld-government-sacks-racing-boards/news-story/238c5e2dc807669d787c177a57b42a5f Qld government sacks racing boards Nathan Paull Marty Silk AAP 2 June 2015 Tom Noble, on whose race track the live baiting was occurring, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 6 September 2016 to 15 counts of serious animal cruelty. Serious Animal cruelty in the Queensland Criminal Code attracts a maximum penalty of 7 years and yet Noble only received a 3 year wholly suspended sentence. Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath announced her decision to appeal the sentence on the grounds it was manifestly inadequate. Tom Noble appeared in the appeals court on 17 March 2017. The decision is yet to be announced.https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/dog-trainer-who-used-live-piglets-possums-should-be-jailed-appeals-court-20170317-gv0ujn.html Dog trainer who used live piglets, possums should be jailed: appeals court 17 March 2017 Brisbane Times AAP 25 April 2019 http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/logan-greyhound-track-draws-200strong-protest-20141011-114s1x.html Logan greyhound track draws 200-strong protest 11 October 2014 South Australia Greyhound Racing SA immediately announced that anyone found to be engaging in the practice would be banished from the sport and prosecuted where possible.http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/superracing/greyhounds-racing-sa-takes-tough-stance-on-live-baiting/story-fnii0osj-1227222225704 Greyhounds Racing SA takes tough stance on live baiting Tom Biddington The Advertiser 17 February 2015 News Limited 21 February 2015 The chief executive said that he had no evidence that live baiting was happening in South Australia but "we take little comfort from that because our monitoring processes aren't dissimilar from the eastern seaboard... We shouldn't be satisfied that our monitoring is working – I think we need to accept that, quite clearly".http://indaily.com.au/news/2015/02/17/greyhound-cruelty-live-baiting-happening-sa/ Greyhound cruelty: Live baiting "happening in SA" David Washington 17 February 2015 IN Daily Solstice Media 21 February 2015 The relevant state government ministers, RSPCA, police and Greyhound Racing SA met to consider a response, including possible changes to legislation to facilitate investigation and be tougher to prevent live baiting.https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/sa-racing/racing-minister-leon-bignell-will-not-turn-back-on-industry/news-story/ec20d2a37a86fc1efa697f01abfe9e7f Racing minister Leon Bignell will not turn back on industry 20 February 2015 News Limited 21 February 2015 Tasmania In March 2015, the Tasmanian Government established a Joint Select Committee on Greyhound Racing to investigate the industry in response to the revelations interstate. The committee released its final report on 14 September 2016, finding that there was "no evidence identified that could result in a prosecution for live baiting in Tasmania," though it relied on anecdotal evidence to conclude that the practice could not be entirely ruled out.Inquiry into Greyhound Racing in Tasmania https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/56573/final20report20tabled201420september202016.pdf Parliament of Tasmania 14 September 2016 18 February 2026 The report made 31 recommendations, including: Implementing mandatory lifetime bans for anyone found guilty of live baiting. Maintaining a strict separation between the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) and the commercial body, Tasracing. Granting stewards greater powers to seize evidence and question unlicensed persons. Making government funding conditional on animal welfare outcomes. The Tasmanian Greens released a dissenting report, arguing that the committee had sided too heavily with the industry and calling for a total ban on the sport. RSPCA Tasmania criticised the government's response, suggesting that financial revenue was being prioritised over animal welfare.Dunlevie James Live baiting: 'No evidence' of cruelty in Tasmanian greyhound racing, report finds https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-14/no-proof-of-live-baiting-in-tas-greyhound-racing-report-finds/7843840 ABC News Australian Broadcasting Corporation 14 September 2016 18 February 2016 Victoria The Victorian Government announced two separate investigations.Greyhound racing: Victorian Integrity Commissioner says Four Corners live baiting revelations a shock http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-17/greyhound-live-baiting-victorian-government-two-investigations/6124754 19 February 2015 abc.net.au 15 trainers have been suspended pending an investigation, including former administrators and a Trainer of the Year.More greyhound trainers suspended in Vic http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/02/19/18/11/more-greyhound-trainers-suspended-in-vic 9news.com.au 19 February 2015 19 February 2015 The chairman of Greyhound Racing Victoria resigned.Lerner Ronny Greyhound Racing Victoria chairman Peter Caillard resigns in wake of live-baiting scandal http://www.smh.com.au/sport/greyhound-racing-victoria-chairman-peter-caillard-resigns-in-wake-of-livebaiting-scandal-20150223-13mmi6.html 23 February 2015 smh.com.au 23 February 2015 References Greyhound racing live baiting Category:Animal welfare in greyhound racing Category:Greyhound racing in Australia Category:Animal cruelty incidents Category:Animal killing