Arsenic Positive A Word Of Warning For Trainers

THE prevalence of Arsenic in husbandry practices has again reared its ugly head with trainer Chrystal Hensing forced to pay the penalty with a 12-week suspension.

During a four-week period in April, Hensing-trained runners returned four positive samples to Arsenic above the 800 nanograms per millilitre threshold.

That saw a distraught Hensing complete an urgent overhaul of her husbandry practices to eradicate the potential of any Arsenic traces in her feeding regime.

On Tuesday, Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) stewards handed Hensing a 12-week suspension for the indiscretions which she is appealing.

In forming the decision, GWIC took into account Hensing's unblemished record as a trainer and lack of any prior relevant disciplinary history.

Hensing, who pleaded not guilty, also produced evidence in relation to her good character and the thorough review and subsequent amendment to her animal husbandry practices.

When it comes to the advent of Arsenic GWIC has been rather proactive, initiating an internal early warning notification system for participants.

It sees trainers which return levels close to but under the threshold level notified so they can review their husbandry and feeding-medication regimes and make the necessary adjustments before exceeding the threshold.

This initiative is the first of its kind in sport in Australia.

Some of the practices which can drive elevated Arsenic levels include injectable supplements, seaweed and kelp based products as well as sardines.