Greyhound Racing SA confirms life bans for live baiting
Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) has imposed life bans and the largest fines ever applied in South Australia against three individuals found to have been involved in live baiting.
The training licences and registrations of Troy Murray, Connor Murray and Jackson Murray were suspended with immediate effect following a raid of premises at Lewiston undertaken by GRSA's Integrity Department and the RSPCA on August 24, 2022.
The training premises were also immediately de-registered.
The matter was brought before the Integrity Hearings Panel (IHP), which is an independent body convened by GRSA with the responsibility for investigating charges raised by stewards and determining appropriate penalties if charges are proven.
At its meeting on Friday, June 16, the IHP found the three individuals guilty of all nine charges raised under the Greyhounds Australasia Rules and imposed lifetime disqualifications for each offence.
These bans prohibit any participation in greyhound racing in any jurisdiction in Australia and New Zealand.
In addition, each participant was ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 for each offence, which is the maximum allowable.
As such, Troy Murray was fined $80,000 (four charges), Connor Murray was fined $60,000 (three charges) and Jackson Murray was fined $40,000 (two charges).
“We welcome the decision handed down by the independent Integrity Hearings Panel and the penalties it has applied,” said Grantley Stevens, GRSA Chair.
“This is the first case of live baiting ever confirmed in South Australia and this outcome should send the strongest possible message about just how seriously we take the integrity of our sport.”
GRSA CEO Bodelle Francis praised the swift work of regulators and investigators in challenging circumstances.
“From first receiving the anonymous tip off about allegations of live baiting to advising the RSPCA and jointly raiding the premises took less than 24 hours, which is testament to the professionalism of our Integrity Department,” Francis said.
“This matter has challenged our industry, but I am extremely proud of how our team has prosecuted this issue and how the greyhound community has been united in its condemnation of this abhorrent practice.”