A fight has broken out between a greyhound trainer and a racing steward at a track in Bathurst as tensions rise over the sport's impending ban.
It's alleged trainer and breeder Keith Selten physically assaulted the Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) steward after being questioned over a threat he made to a vet inspecting his dog on Monday.
"During the inspection, it is alleged Mr Selten threatened that he may as well euthanase his dog if it was issued with a 30 day period of incapacitation," a statement from GRNSW said on Tuesday.
The one-month ban which prevents a dog from racing was issued after the greyhound was injured during a performance trial at Bathurst Greyhound Racing Club, it said.
Mr Selten allegedly assaulted the GRNSW steward after he was called in to explain his threatening behaviour.
The trainer's licence has been suspended, pending the outcome of a steward's inquiry, and the matter was also referred to NSW Police.
Interim GRNSW CEO Paul Newson has called on the industry to remain calm as the fallout from the NSW government's decision to ban greyhound racing by 2017 continues.
"I recognise this is a very difficult time for industry participants; however, I cannot tolerate any abuse towards GRNSW staff while they undertake their important role to protect the welfare of greyhounds and run race meetings under the strict rules that must be followed by all participants," he said.
GRNSW staff need the support of the industry over the next 12 months as they go through an equally difficult time, Mr Newson said.
"They have been just as shocked as everyone else about the government's recent decision and are also trying to deal personally with the implications of the decision," he said.
The Baird government announced plans to ban the sport earlier this month after a Special Commission of Inquiry report found up to 68,000 greyhounds had been killed in the past 12 years and nearly a fifth of trainers used live animal baits.
Premier Mike Baird has promised to pump an estimated $30 million into helping the industry through the ban, which will be effective from July 1, 2017.
