Christopher Carl disqualified for greyhound welfare breaches
The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) reported that trainer Christopher Carl has been banned from participating in greyhound racing for 27 months due to violations of the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice.
An inquiry into Carl’s behaviour began when inspectors from GWIC visited his kennel site and discovered infractions such as a failure to provide veterinary attention to greyhounds in his care; a failure to ensure greyhounds in his care were not subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering; a failure to provide adequate clean drinking water to greyhounds in his care; a failure keep medical treatment records; having expired medications and supplements in his possession; and non-compliant kennels.
Steve Griffin, the CEO of GWIC, emphasised that the seriousness of the violations highlights the commission’s dedication to safeguarding animal welfare.
“While serious breaches of the NSW Greyhound Welfare Code of Practice are thankfully rare, the disciplinary action decision taken in this matter highlights the Commission’s zeal in ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare in NSW,” Mr Griffin said.
“The New South Wales greyhound racing industry has set the benchmark for welfare and integrity standards and nothing short of total compliance is acceptable.
“We know that the overwhelming majority of participants are doing the right thing, and cases like this are both disappointing and upsetting to participants who love their greyhounds.”
Carl was charged with a total of eight offences and, as a result, received a 27-month disqualification that prohibits him from holding a registration within the greyhound racing industry, entering any place where greyhounds are trained, kept or raced, including race meetings, or engaging with other greyhound racing industry participants for the purpose of greyhound racing and in addition to fines amounting to $900 and concurrent suspension.
The accusations directed at Carl highlight a concerning trend of negligence in his care practices for the greyhounds under his supervision from December 2022 to March 2023.
GWIC’s decision clearly shows its commitment to maintaining the welfare standards that form the foundation of the racing sector.
“Our message is simple – if you fail to provide good welfare to your greyhounds, you will be caught and removed from the industry. You could potentially face criminal action as well,” Mr Griffin said.
Carl still has the option to appeal; however, the commissions ruling serves as a message, to everyone involved in the sport; neglecting proper welfare practices will result in serious repercussions.
Charges and Actions Laid Against Christopher Carl
Charge 1 – Failure to provide veterinary attention (Standard 3.3):
Carl failed to provide veterinary care to an injured black female greyhound between December 25, 2022, and February 14, 2023, resulting in unnecessary pain.
Action: 27-month disqualification.
Charge 2 – Failure to provide veterinary attention (Standard 3.3):
Carl failed to provide veterinary care to an injured fawn female greyhound during the same period, causing pain.
Action: 27-month disqualification.
Charge 3 – Failure to provide veterinary attention (Standard 3.3):
Carl failed to provide veterinary care to an injured fawn male greyhound, resulting in pain.
Action: 27-month disqualification.
Charge 4 – Failure to provide adequate clean drinking water (Standards 2.8 and 2.11):
Carl failed to provide clean drinking water to greyhounds during inspections in February 2023.
Action: 4-month suspension.
Charge 5 – Failure to maintain medical treatment records (Standard 3.6):
Carl did not keep or retain records of medical treatments administered to his greyhounds.
Action: $300 fine.
Charge 6 – Possession of expired medications and supplements (Standard 3.10):
Expired medications and supplements were found in Carl’s possession during inspections.
Action: $300 fine.
Charge 7 – Non-compliant kennels (Standards 5.3, 5.12, and 5.20):
Carl’s kennels were found to lack hygienic bedding, had dangerous sharp objects, and were cluttered with debris.
Action: 4-month suspension.
Charge 8 – Failure to keep an exercise, socialization, and enrichment plan (Standard 7.12):
Carl did not have documented plans for the greyhounds’ exercise, socialiation, or enrichment.
Action: $300 fine.
Total Penalties:
- Disqualification: 27 months (served concurrently for Charges 1, 2, and 3).
- Suspensions: 4 months (served concurrently for Charges 4 and 7).
- Fines: $900 (combined from Charges 5, 6, and 8).
He sounds nice