A former top Tasmanian greyhound trainer has been given a lifetime ban by Tasmania’s Office of Racing Integrity.
Anthony Bullock received the “disqualification for the term of his natural life” for possessing an animal part that could be used for bait or luring purposes after an investigation was sparked by drone footage of his property released by Animal Liberation Tasmania.
An ORI spokesperson said Bullock was suspended, pending the outcome of an investigation, on August 5th after stewards found a pademelon tail attached to a mechanical training apparatus at his property two days prior.
“On 24 October 2023, a panel of stewards, operating under the Greyhounds Australasia Rules (GAR), conducted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the location and seizure of the item,” the spokesperson said.
Despite pleading not guilty, Bullock was found guilty “after consideration of the evidence” of ‘possessing an animal part capable of being used as bait, quarry or a lure’ and handed a lifetime disqualification.
Independent MP Kristie Johnston has welcomed the ban, saying she and many other animal welfare advocates had “for a long time been calling out Mr Bullock’s appalling animal welfare standards and disregard for the rules of racing”.
She called for a ‘complete overhaul’ of racing practices and the culture of racing administration at Tasracing and the Office of Racing Integrity, as their reputation is now “in tatters”.
Johnston also encouraged the community members who can provide homes for rescue dogs to step up and offer these animals a better life.
ORI say Bullock was advised of his rights of appeal.
