Stewards wrap: Trainer disqualified for failing to seek vet care
QUEENSLAND trainer Tony Millen has been suspended for two years after an injured dog in his care was not given immediate veterinary attention.
Millen, who faced an inquiry on Monday, was found guilty by Racing Queensland stewards after evidence was considered surrounding the incident at Tamrookum.
During the inquiry it was established that the greyhound injured itself on the morning of Sunday October 4, 2015, and, despite Millen identifying the seriousness of the injury, he failed to seek veterinary attention until the following Tuesday.
When the greyhound was presented for treatment at the Walter Street Veterinary Clinic, it was discovered that it had transverse fractures of both the radius and the ulna on its front left leg, resulting in the dog being humanely euthanised.
Millen was subsequently charged with a breach of GAR 106 (1)(d) which reads:
“A registered person must ensure that greyhounds, which are in the person's care or custody, are provided at all times with- (d) veterinary attention when necessary.”
Despite his please of not guilty, Millen was disqualified for a period of two years, effective immediately.
New South Wales
- Peter Simpson faced GRNSW Stewards after his greyhound, Create Havoc, returned a urine sample which showed the presence of the prohibited substance Oxazepam after winning at Grafton on April 6, 2015.
He was subsequently charged with a breach of GAR 83 (2)(a) which relates to a trainer being obliged to present a greyhound to compete in a state which is free of prohibited substances.
After pleading guilty to the charge, Simpson was fined a sum of $1,000, with Create Havoc also disqualified from the event in question.
In considering the penalty, Stewards were mindful of a number of factors including an unblemished record in relation to prohibited substances within 40 years of training, the low reading of the prohibited substance, and the fact that Simpson had asked for a fine in lieu of a disqualification or suspension due to the nature of his business which is transporting greyhounds.
- Prominent trainer Harry Sarkis has been suspended pending the result of an inquiry into allegations made against him at the public hearings of the Special Commission of Inquiry on September 28, 2015.
Specifically, three trainers (namely Majella Ferguson, Adam Wallace and Todd Fear) were cross examined, all of whom gave evidence that Sarkis had been involved in live baiting at his property.
Sarkis himself gave evidence during the public hearings, denying any involvement in live baiting.
Despite this, acting under GAR 92(5), the decision was made to suspend Sarkis' licence, taking effect from November 13, 2015, with the inquiry into the matter expected to take approximately 12 weeks.
Victoria
- Derryn and Melissa Harrison fronted the Victorian Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB) last week, each charged with a breach of LRR 42.2 and GAR 106 (1) (a) and (c).
The specifics of each charge were as follows:
Charge 1 – LRR 42.2. It was alleged by the Stewards that each of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison had kept greyhounds in a condition likely to be dangerous to their health.
Charge 2 – GAR 106 (1) (a) It was alleged that each of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison had failed to ensure that greyhounds in their care and custody were provided with proper and sufficient food and drink.
Charge 3 – GAR 106 (1) (c) It was alleged that each of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison had failed to ensure that greyhounds in their care and custody were provided with kennels which were kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
Mr and Mrs Harrison both pleaded guilty to the charges.
After considering the evidence, the RADB determined it had no jurisdiction in relation to the charges under LRR 42.2, while it reserved its decision on penalty in respect of the remaining charges.
- The RADB has also reserved its decision on the matters of Bob Smith and Neville King, both of whom were charged with breaches of Local Rule 18.5, GAR 86 (o) and GAR 86 (af).
The charges related to their involvement in the practise of live baiting at the Tooradin Trial Track on December 23, 2014.
Good to see Queensland making an effort. What a scumbag, leaving a dog with two fractures for three days.
GRNSW, WTF? Since when do you get to choose your penalty. NAughty boy for giving a dog a Benzo….FFS.
Good to see Queensland making an effort. What a scumbag, leaving a dog with two fractures for three days.
GRNSW, WTF? Since when do you get to choose your penalty. NAughty boy for giving a dog a Benzo….FFS.