Greyhound Racing NZ enforces suspensions

Greyhound Racing New Zealand enforces suspensions on Australian owners

Greyhound Racing New Zealand will forbid any Australian greyhound owner, trainer or breeder implicated in live-baiting from racing their dogs in New Zealand.

GRNZ has immediately enforced suspensions imposed by Australian greyhound racing authorities imposed on those Australian greyhound owners identified in live-baiting investigations.

The suspensions forbid those trainers from bringing dogs to New Zealand pending the outcome of investigations. Further suspensions are anticipated as investigations continue.

GRNZ has confirmed that any person found guilty of practising live-baiting would be instantly banned from the sport for life.

GRNZ animal welfare manager Greg Kerr said the sport had the power to take instant action against rule-breakers.

“The sport won’t tolerate the illegal practice of live baiting. We will come down hard on people who break the rules.

“The Australian authorities are providing us the names of owners who race dogs in New Zealand. We don’t know how many that will be in the end, but we will uphold any suspension they are given. That may include ultimate disqualification from the sport.”

Mr Kerr strongly doubted anyone in New Zealand used live animals to train greyhounds for racing. GRNZ will thoroughly investigate any evidence that it is happening in New Zealand.

The independent Racing Integrity Unit has a toll-free number for people to provide information anonymously, 0800 748 123.

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