Illegal animal tail find was a ‘setup by activists’, Tasmanian greyhound trainer claims

Leading Tasmanian greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock is appealing a lifetime ban that prevents him from owning, training or nominating greyhounds for racing.

Bullock was banned and charged with “possessing an animal part capable of being used as bait, quarry, or a lure” by a panel of stewards last month after an animal tail was discovered on his property.

He has denied any wrongdoing, with his lawyer telling the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board on Wednesday that Bullock had “no idea” it was there – as reported by the ABC.

Instead, they are suggesting it was ‘planted by animal welfare activists’.

His lawyer argued that the tail was found in a bull ring that had not been used in months, suggesting that whoever placed it there “had little knowledge of greyhound racing”.

“It was clearly done by people who are completely ignorant of the training of greyhounds. This was done to bring condemnation on a leading trainer and the industry,” Barrister Damian Sheales said.

Bullock was thrust into the spotlight after Animal Liberation Tasmania released drone footage of his property in August, showing what they alleged to be poor conditions for dogs and the presence of horse remains and dead pademelons.

Bullock’s lawyer accused the activist group of intentionally breaking the law by invading his privacy and posting the footage online.

Animal Liberation Tasmania have denied any involvement in planting the animal tail and said the footage was provided to them anonymously.

“No matter the outcome of the hearing, it’s a lose/lose situation for the greyhound racing industry,” they said.

The board is yet to announce a decision on the ban.