The first group of Victorian trainers to be charged with allegedly using live animals to train greyhounds could be banned from the sport for a decade.
Seven of the 15 suspended trainers and handlers from a Tooradin training facility face 33 charges in total under state and national greyhound racing rules, most of which are deemed to be serious offences.
Two-time Australian greyhound trainer of the year Darren McDonald and veteran trainer Anthony Mills face charges along with Christopher Connolly, Dennis Dean, Brett Mackie, Jon Roberts and Eric Sykes.
Greyhound Racing Victoria chairman Ray Gunston said the investigation into all matters associated with the Tooradin Trial Track had to be thorough and comprehensive, which is why it had taken some time.
He said the body was determined to ensure the strongest possible penalty was handed down where someone was found to have been involved in live baiting.
"There is absolutely and categorically no place for people within this sport that are proven to have been involved in such barbaric and disgraceful activities that are not befitting of industry and community values," Mr Gunston said in a statement on Friday.
The seven face disqualification for 10 years under the GRV's penalty guidelines, but it is the independent Greyhound Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board that will hear the charges and determine any penalties.
A date for the hearing has yet to be set.
GRV stewards continue to investigate the allegations against the other eight suspended persons.
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