Anthony Bullock’s greyhound lifetime ban overturned
In a twist, Anthony Bullock, a greyhound trainer in Tasmania, has successfully appealed against his lifetime ban from the sport.
The ban was imposed following an investigation triggered by footage from an animal welfare activist.
However, an appeals board has now overturned the ban. Throughout the proceedings, Bullock maintained his innocence against charges of possessing an animal part that could be used for bait or luring purposes.
The appeals board determined that there was no evidence to prove Bullock's awareness of the presence of a tail on his property. Interestingly, the board acknowledged the possibility that someone with animal welfare concerns may have planted the tail to incriminate Bullock and force him out of the industry.
This theory stemmed from video footage captured in July.
Anonymously provided to Animal Liberation Tasmania (ALT), which depicted greyhounds at Bullocks property under conditions. After discovering a pademelon tail attached to an arm on Bullock's property, he was initially found guilty.
Handed a lifelong disqualification from greyhound racing.
This disqualification barred him from owning or training racing greyhounds or attending race meets. However, Bullock contested the decision, arguing that animal welfare activists might have placed the tail on a part of his property.
The Tasmanian Racing Appeal Board, in a 16-page ruling, acknowledged the possibility of someone putting the tail on the arm and mentioned the strong motivations of animal welfare advocates.The board highlighted that there is no evidence linking Bullock to knowledge about the presence of the tail.
They also accepted his lawyer's argument that the tail was found in an area not actively used for training.
As a result, the appeal was successful.
Bullock's conviction and penalty were overturned. Despite Bullock's win, animal welfare groups have criticised this decision.
Kristy Alger, president of Animal Liberation Tasmania, expressed her dissatisfaction with this outcome, calling it “nonsense.” Jan Davis, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania, voiced her disappointment and emphasised the need for racing rules and legislation to protect animal welfare in the state.
Bullock is now able to resume his greyhound training activities.
Whoever r planted the tail needs to be charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice