Trainer Richard Polidano banned for greyhound welfare violations

Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission new racing rules

Charges against Mr Richard Polidano

  • Charge One – A breach of Rule 21(1)(c), which in summary, relates to a failing on the part of Polidano to provide:
    a. A requisite quantity of warm, soft and dry bedding for the Greyhound: and
    b. A raised bed large enough for the Greyhound to lay down on completed stretched out. (Proper Bedding)

    • Disciplinary action taken: Six month disqualification

  • Charge Two – A breach of Rule 21(1)(d), which in summary, relates to a failure on the part of Polidano, in the period preceding the 24 April 2024, to provide necessary veterinary attention to the Greyhound. (Veterinary Attention)

    • Disciplinary action taken: Four year disqualification

  • Charge Three – A breach of Rule 21(2), which in summary, covers a failure on the part of Polidano to provide veterinary attention to the Greyhound when necessary, and therefore subjecting the Greyhound to unnecessary pain and suffering. (Pain and Suffering)

    • Disciplinary action taken: Four year disqualification

  • Charge Four – A breach of Rule 151, which in summary, constitutes a failure on the part of Polidano to keep or retain records detailing any or all medical treatments administered to the Greyhound whilst it was in his care. (Treatment Records)

    • Disciplinary action taken: $200 fine

  • Charge Five – A breach of Rule 156(g), which alleges that Polidano wilfully abused a Commission Officer, being Inspector Flett Turner, during the investigation into the Greyhound on the 24 April 2024. (Abuse)

    • Disciplinary action taken: 12 month disqualification

  • Charge Six – A breach of Rule 164(a), which alleges that Polidano made a statement to Commission Officers knowing such statement to be false. Specifically, Polidano stated that the Greyhound had been provided with veterinary treatment by the Colyton Veterinary Hospital, which was neither correct nor truthful. (False Statements)

    • Disciplinary action taken: 18 month disqualification

    During this disqualification period, set to expire on 31 October 2029, Mr Polidano is prohibited from holding a registration within the greyhound racing industry, from entering any place where greyhounds are trained, kept or raced, including race meetings, or engaging with other greyhound racing industry participants for the purpose of greyhound racing.

    Mr Taylor said that the disqualification period should serve as a significant deterrent and is a further demonstration of the Commission’s strong enforcement in respect to related offences.

    “The industry is united in its commitment to deliver world-leading animal welfare standards. Any participant who engages in such abhorrent behavior and elects to be dishonest and untruthful has no place in the industry,” Mr Taylor said.

    “It is a privilege to be registered in the greyhound racing industry, not a right, and any participant that shows such a complete disregard for greyhound welfare does not deserve such a privilege.

    “It is paramount that welfare standards are upheld and this decision should send a clear message that each individual will be held accountable for their actions.

    “There is zero tolerance industry wide for those don’t ensure greyhound welfare, and who risk damaging the reputation of our sport. Make no mistake, we will utilise all our available powers to ensure appropriate action is taken when dealing with any incidents of this abhorrent nature.”

    The Commission’s disciplinary action decision can be found here.

    Mr Polidano has the right to appeal the Commission’s decision. Whilst this appeal period remains open, the Commission will not be making any further comment at this time.

    Greyhound Racing News

    Topics

    Countries Australian Greyhound Racing
    States New South Wales Greyhound Racing
    Regulators GWIC

    Similar Greyhound Racing News

    Subscribe
    Notify of
    guest
    0 Comments
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments