Central Coast Trainer Disqualified Immediately

TRAINER Sam Masri has been disqualified by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) following the discovery of live rabbits and possums at his Central Coast property.

The industry-led investigation uncovered live animals, capable of being used as a lure, being kept in cages following a targeted inspection by GWIC officials on Friday.

GWIC Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin said Commission inspectors observed Masri return to his property in possession of the animals.

"After being interviewed by Inspectors and admitting to obtaining the animals, Mr Masri was immediately issued with a disqualification while the Commission continues with its investigation into these serious welfare breaches," Griffin said.  

"It is fortunate that the Commission has the appropriate regulations and capabilities in place to take action in situations like this, rare as they may be.

"The industry has a zero tolerance for any conduct relating to live baiting, which is not only a serious breach of animal welfare but also attempts to undermine the integrity of the sport and damage the industry." 

Under the Greyhound Racing Rules, individuals found in breach of baiting offences can face a lifetime ban from the sport as well as imprisonment. 

"NSW has some of the strongest welfare standards in the industry, and we will utilise all our legislative powers to ensure appropriate action is taken against anyone who thinks they can get away with this type of conduct,” he added.

"The industry is a close-knit community who have worked hard to rebuild their reputation over the past seven years, so news that someone may be engaged in this abhorrent practice is an affront to those who have a proven commitment to welfare and consistently do the right thing." 

Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) CEO Rob Macaulay doubled down on the strong stance taken by GWIC. 

"There is an industry-wide zero tolerance to any incidents of this nature, which is fully supported by GRNSW," Macaulay said. 

"We expect the appropriate actions to be taken by GWIC as the regulator of the sport in NSW and will not make any further comment while their investigation is ongoing."