NSW greyhound racer grounded after report

The head of the NSW greyhound racing body has suspended the licence of another trainer after evidence of live baiting was revealed on ABC TV.

Another NSW greyhound trainer has been suspended after allegations of live baiting aired on television.

The ABC's Four Corners program screened secret vision of greyhound trainers tying live piglets, rabbits and possums to mechanical lures - a practice banned in the industry.

Six NSW greyhound trainers, 10 in Victoria and several in Queensland, have stood down after property inspections by the RSPCA.

One of the men stood down - Paul Anderton - was a former steward for Greyhound Racing Victoria.

On Tuesday, Greyhound Racing NSW chief executive Brent Hogan said NSW trainer John Thompson had also been suspended in the wake of the report.

Comment was being sought from Mr Thompson, who is reportedly based in the state's north, at Shannon Brook.

"John Thompson was stood down last night," Mr Hogan told Fairfax Radio.

"We only became aware of John Thompson's involvement through the broadcast last night.

"He's registered in NSW, he's been suspended and we're now working with Racing Queensland in relation to that matter."

GRNSW announced that a taskforce headed by former High Court justice Michael McHugh would investigate live baiting in the industry.

Mr Hogan has called for greater powers to stamp out animal cruelty in the industry.

The allegations of animal cruelty come as the NSW government oversees a scheduled five-year statutory review of the Greyhound Racing Act 2009.

In light of the report, the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing has extended the time for submissions for a further two weeks, until March 2.

NSW opposition leader Luke Foley has called for an urgent, independent investigation to root out the "bad apples" in the industry, and urged life bans.

NSW Greens MP John Kaye is urging GRNSW to be broken up for failing to detect live baiting.


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Source: AAP


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