Stewards wrap: leading breeder to face export inquiry
LEADING owner and breeder Paul Wheeler is one of four greyhound racing participants who has been charged as part of the ongoing Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) inquiry into the unauthorised exports of greyhounds to China and Macau.
Wheeler as well as fellow participants Danny Li, Wei Shen and Yiwen Xi will face charges in relation to the alleged exports of nine greyhounds to China without a greyhound passport and the certified pedigree issued by Greyhounds Australasia.
The participants have also been charged with misconduct, with their behaviour allegedly seen as detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image, control and promotion of greyhound racing.
Additionally, they will face charges for failing to notify the authority body of the exports under the Rules of Racing. Danny Li, Wei Shan and Yiwen Xi will also face charges for failing to attend or produce documents at an inquiry as directed.
A hearing will be held at the end of March where the participants will have the opportunity to respond to the charges.
The latest charges come after three participants were disqualified and fined last October after they were found guilty for their part in 166 greyhounds being exported to the Macau Canidrome and to the Shanghai Wild Animal Park.
The ban on greyhounds being exported to Macau and China was introduced in 2013 due to the lack of animal welfare laws in those countries.
In 2015, an investigation by the ABC's 7.30 Report combined with Animals Australia found greyhounds were still being exported to China and Macau.
The investigation alleged 72 Australian greyhound owners and trainers were implicated and that 700 Aussie-bred dogs were living on site at the Canidrome.
According to the Federal Department of Agriculture, 654 greyhounds were exported from Australia in 2014, with 240 sent to Macau.
Under the Rules of Racing, owners must apply for and be granted a Greyhound Passport prior to exporting their dogs.
From December 1, 2017, it is also an offence to sell a greyhound to another person with the knowledge that they are likely to export the dog.
Daley disqualified
Melvyn Daley has been banned from greyhound racing after being found guilty of breaching the misconduct rule, GAR 86(o).
It was alleged that at the Gosford meeting on September 26, 2017, Daley subjected the on track steward to insulting and offensive language and conduct.
Daley pleaded guilty to breaching the rules and was disqualified by GRNSW stewards for 12 months, with six months suspended for a year pending no breaches of the conduct rules in that time.
Barrass suspended
John Barrass has been suspended by GRNSW after his greyhound Acola Harbour tested positive to a banned substance.
Barrass was charged with breaching GAR 83(2) after his dog returned a positive sample to Arsenic above the allowed threshold when competing at Mudgee on November 19, 2017.
Barrass, who had been involved in greyhound racing since 1952 with no breaches of the rules, entered a guilty plea.
Despite his unblemished record stewards imposed a six weeks' suspension.
The greyhound was also disqualified from the race in question.