Tasmania’s new Racing Minister is facing more animal cruelty allegations within the greyhound racing sector.
Animal Liberation Tasmania has released new footage alleging substandard kennel conditions for greyhounds at a property in the north-west – just one week after they released another video that led to the suspension of prominent trainer Anthony Bullock.
However, the Ulverstone trainer at the centre of the latest allegations has denied any wrongdoing.
Speaking to The Examiner on Thursday, Gary Johnson said he hasn’t done anything wrong, but that the drone flying around the property had affected the greyhounds.
“I couldn’t see anything wrong with the footage; we’re above board here,” he said.
“These dogs have never been the same because of the high-pitched noise from the drone.”
“Something has affected them, and I didn’t know about the drone until this morning, and now I realise what’s affected them.”
Johnson said his greyhound training facilities were up to standard.
“Two days before the drone came through here, the stewards were here, marked everything off and said everything was 100 per cent right.”
Racing Minister Felix Ellis said the government takes animal welfare seriously.
“I am aware of footage posted to social media this morning which has been referred to the ORI and I understand there is an investigation underway,” he said.
“ORI will engage with the RSPCA as part of the process.”
“If any breaches are identified as part of the investigation, Tasmanians can be assured appropriate action will be taken.”
