The temporary reappointment of a dog trainer with a doping conviction as the head of Tasmania’s greyhound adoption program has been slammed as “grossly inappropriate”.
Susan Gittus has been brought back in as the interim manager of the GAP while Lianne Salerno, the program’s manager, is on leave.
Gittus, who was previously removed from the position due to her doping conviction in 2020, admitted to giving her greyhound an illegal substance, dehydronorketamine, which resulted in the dog winning a race in Hobart.
Gittus claimed it was unintentional contamination from the dog’s food and her punishment of having her training licence suspended for six months, of which four months were suspended, with her industry ban expiring in December 2020 took this into consideration.
Critics, including Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor and Independent Member Kristie Johnston, strongly oppose Gittus’ reappointment, questioning the decision to put someone with a doping offence in charge of the program.
“Why do TasRacing believe a former trainer, who was suspended from racing for doping offences and previously stood down from managing the GAP facility, is the right person to take this role?” Greens Leader and Animal Welfare spokesperson Cassy O’Connor said.
“With the state’s racing body pushing to change the way GAP operates – including reviewing their ‘no kill’ policy – this appointment is of real concern.”
“If Racing Minister, Madeline Ogilvie is serious about protecting the welfare of the brutalised dogs in this industry she must step in now.”
Independent Member for Clark Kristie Johnston echoed O’Connors statement.
“This a grossly inappropriate appointment,” Johnston said.
Speaking to media, O’Connor said that there is no definitive evidence to support Gittus’ claim of accidentally feeding her dog contaminated meat.
“The fact of the matter is, Mrs Gittus pleaded guilty to the charge, was found guilty, and was subsequently suspended,” she said.
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins defended Gittus’ appointment, citing her qualifications and experience and reassured that she would uphold high care standards for the greyhounds.
Jenkins said comments by O’Connor and Johnston are inaccurate and need correcting.
“Ms Susan Gittus pleaded guilty to a presentation charge in 2020, not administration, which was clearly noted in the Stewards’ report,” he said.
“This is an important distinction as presentation does not imply wilful administration of a banned substance.”
“This is evidenced in the Stewards Inquiry that did not reach any findings that Ms Gittus wilfully administered a banned substance, but took into account the possibility that the positive sample was due to a contamination in meat supplies.”
“Every greyhound at GAP will, as has always been the case, be given every opportunity and appropriate time to become ready for re-homing.”
“There is no new or changed approach toward euthanasia. It is untrue there is an increased propensity toward euthanasia at GAP.”
“In fact, from 1 July the Director of Racing is included as an additional and final approver of euthanasia for any GAP greyhounds – unlike greyhounds in domestic environments.”
“It is also untrue that Ms Gittus was heavily-involved in preparing the draft GAP policy paper. The paper was drafted by Tasracing and remains in draft.”
“Ms Gittus has served the relevant penalty for an isolated charge and, as a highly-qualified and experienced greyhound professional is wholly-endorsed by Tasracing as the Interim GAP Manager.”
A Government spokesperson said that the appointment is an operational decision for TasRacing, but the Government remains committed to improving animal welfare in collaboration with the industry.
