Owner warned as greyhound fails drug tests

A greyhound trainer has been cautioned by regulators after his dog twice tested positive for an antidepressant.

The tests found the dog had ingested venlafaxine before races at Shawfield in Glasgow on June 21 and September 21. The dog, named Peads Minx, finished last in both races.

The drug is not available as a veterinary medicine but the owner and trainer told a hearing he is prescribed the antidepressant.

Owner and trainer Neil Dempsie told the Greyhound Board the positive tests happened because the dog licked a patch of ground in a field where Mr Dempsie regularly urinates.

Independent scientific adviser professor Tim Morris told the inquiry the trainer’s urine was potentially the source of the venlafaxine ingested by the greyhound on both occasions.

The drug can cause neurological side effects and affect the performance of the greyhound, according to Mr Morris.

The board concluded that Mr Dempsie had not deliberately administered the drug and cautioned him.

We revealed in September that greyhounds trained or racing in Scotland tested positive for banned drugs such as cocaine and amphetamine dozens of times.

There has been 28 positive tests at Shawfield, five of which involved cocaine, which can kill dogs.

Gill Docherty, of Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation, called for a ban on racing dogs.

She said: “Around 1,000 dogs a year are killed through greyhound racing, and nearly 5,000 injured.”

Scottish SPCA superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The reports of greyhounds being given drugs are very concerning.

“We thoroughly investigate all animal welfare concerns and this is no different for animals used in racing.”