Greyhound trainer cops lifetime ban

ONE of Tasmania’s most experienced greyhound trainers, Gavin Whitney, yesterday was disqualified for life after being found guilty of using an animal skin that was believed to have been used while educating young greyhounds.

Stewards discovered the skin, believed to be that of a wallaby, during a routine kennel inspection on September 12.

Whitney was charged under rule GAR86B(1)(b), which says a person cannot have an animal carcass or any part of an animal on their property “for the purpose of being, or which might reasonably be capable of being, or likely to be, used as bait, quarry or lure to entice or excite or encourage a greyhound to pursue it”.

He also was charged under rule GAR86B(1)(a), which says a person cannot use “any live animal, animal carcass or any part of an animal whether as bait, quarry or lure, or to entice, excite or encourage a greyhound to pursue it or encourage otherwise”.

Whitney pleaded guilty to the first charge relating to the wallaby skin being on his property in that it was located by stewards in a trailer that Whitney said he uses to cart rubbish to the tip.

Whitney pleaded not guilty to the charge of using the wallaby skin as a bait, quarry or lure at his training premises but was found guilty.

Tasracing chief executive Paul Eriksson said the industry had accepted its responsibility to rid the sport of illegal and immoral practice, which was why yesterday’s findings were so disappointing.

“(The Office of Racing Integrity) and Tasracing are actively conducting inspections of industry participants’ properties, which will continue, to ensure the high standards of the industry are maintained,” Mr Eriksson said.

“We will protect the reputation of the participants who care for their animals and abide by the strict animal welfare rules that are in place.”

Whitney, who had Group 1 success with greyhounds Chinatown Lad and Fallen Zorro about 10 years ago, has been training most of his life.

After considering Whitney’s submissions in relation to his not guilty plea to the second charge, stewards found him guilty.

When determining the penalty, stewards were bound to adhere to the Tasmanian Local Rules of Racing, which overrides the Greyhound Australasia Rules, and disqualified him for the term of his natural life.

Whitney did not comment on the disqualification other than to confirm he will appeal against the second charge and penalty.