Ex-Police Chief to probe NSW greyhound racing allegations
Greyhound Racing NSW is currently under scrutiny for allegations outlined in a report authored by former GRNSW chief vet Alex Brittan.
The report spanning 54 pages and addressed to stakeholders, allegedly accuses GRNSW of misleading information on greyhound rehoming figures, failure to report a dogs death and other questionable practices.
During his nine month tenure that concluded in December 2023, Brittan claims to have observed concerning practices related to care and animal welfare within GRNSW.
These alleged practices were reportedly carried out by the organisation itself as opposed to by industry participants or other greyhound owners.
Racing Minister David Harris has acknowledged receiving a “handover report” from a veterinarian believed to be Brittan.
The report has been forwarded to the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade for evaluation and possible referral to authorities.
Racing Minister David Harris is also compelled to support a call for papers from Animal Justice Party member Emma Hurst, who intends to call for yet another upper house inquiry into the greyhound racing industry.
GRNSW CEO Rob Macaulay acknowledged receiving the report and stated that the body is taking the allegations seriously and will comply with all obligations arising.
In response to the allegations, GRNSW CEO Macaulay has appointed former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton AM to head an investigation into the allegations made by the Brittan.
Ashton more recently spearheaded the investigation in to South Australian greyhound racing that led to the current reform agenda imposed upon Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA).
Macaulay said that Ashton’s terms of reference for his independent inquiry into Brittan’s allegations will be to identify any issues relating to the management of animal welfare standards in the operation of Greyhounds As Pets NSW and Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) more generally.
“Furthermore, evaluate best practice standards relating to the welfare of greyhounds within the GAP NSW program and make any relevant recommendations.
“In conducting the inquiry, Mr. Ashton may consult with any person, agency or organisation required,” said Macaulay.
The NSW Greyhound, Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) has been advised of the appointment, as has the Minister for Racing.
Of course, Emma Hurst is calling for another Upper House Inquiry into the sport. She and all her Greenie friends in the Upper House know no bounds in wasting more of taxpayers money in a fruitless inquiry to end an ethically run sport that generates a mountain of money for the Government so it can perform its social duties