Trainer Ibrahim Kama hit with 10-year greyhound racing ban
The greyhound racing community has been shaken by a major disciplinary ruling, with Victorian trainer Ibrahim Kama banned from the sport for 10 years following serious breaches of Greyhounds Australasia Rules (GAR) related to animal welfare.
The ruling, handed down by Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) Integrity Unit on March 18, 2025, follows a lengthy investigation into allegations that Kama failed to exercise the care and supervision necessary to prevent greyhounds under his custody from being subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering.
Kama’s legal issues began on March 4, 2024, when the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) found him guilty of multiple breaches, including GAR 21(2), GAR 156(f)(ii), and GAR 165(a).
As a result, he was disqualified for 18 months, with six months suspended for 24 months.
Seeking to overturn the decision, Kama appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on September 13, 2024.
However, VCAT upheld the VRT’s original penalty, confirming his disqualification remained in place until March 3, 2025.
The Charges and Final Decision
During his disqualification period, GRV Investigative Stewards launched a separate enquiry into Kama’s conduct.
This investigation revealed further alleged breaches of GAR 21(2), GAR 165(a), and GAR 164(b).
On March 13, 2025, he was issued a Show Cause notice, requiring him to explain why he should not be Warned Off from the sport.
After considering his response, stewards ruled on March 18, 2025, that Kama would be Warned Off for 10 years—effectively banning him from all greyhound racing activities.
The decision is one of the harshest penalties imposed in recent greyhound racing history.
Head of Integrity and Welfare Operations Damien Morris outlined the reasoning behind the lengthy ban, emphasising several critical factors:
The report stated that the penalty was determined to serve “the best interests of greyhound racing” and to ensure that “the welfare of any greyhounds in Mr. Kama’s care” would not be at risk.
Kama’s 10-year ban serves as a clear warning to others in the industry that breaches of greyhound welfare rules will not be tolerated.
With increased scrutiny on animal welfare standards in racing, authorities continue to enforce strict regulations to uphold the integrity of the sport.
For Ibrahim Kama, this ruling means a decade-long exile from greyhound racing, effectively ending his career.
Whether he will attempt to challenge the decision remains to be seen, but the message from GRV is clear: ensuring the welfare of greyhounds comes first.