Trainer Armstrong faces penalties for Greyhound welfare breaches
In a recent development, greyhound trainer Janene Armstrong was charged with offences related to the well-being of two specific greyhounds, Red Burner and Vernan Park.
These charges were brought forth during an inquiry conducted by the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) on January 10, 2024.
The focus of the inquiry was on the concerning conditions under which these greyhounds were kept, leading to their removal from race meetings at the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club on October 4, 2023, following inspections conducted on the racetrack.
The commission took action after the QRIC investigation revealed that Vernan Park was “grossly underweight.”
Mrs. Armstrong accepted her responsibility and pleaded guilty to two charges.
The first charge accused her of failing to provide food for one of the greyhounds under her care, while the second charge centred around her behaviour that was considered detrimental to the interests, welfare, image, control, and promotion of greyhound racing.
During the course of this inquiry, stewards appreciated Mrs. Armstrong's cooperation and compliance with their requests.
Her early guilty pleas and clean disciplinary record, without any infractions, were taken into account when determining penalties.
Consequently, she received the following penalties:
This suspension is effective as of October 6, 2023.
However, per the rules set by Greyhounds Australasia Rule 174(3), the remaining part of the suspension will be postponed for a duration of two (2) years on the condition that she avoids any violations during this time.
Furthermore, in addition to these suspensions, it has been mandated by the stewards that Mrs.Armstrong complete the Racing Queensland Greyhound Trainers Workshop and provide a statement of attendance to the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission before February 29, 2024.