Three people have been banned after a greyhound was euthanised in the back of a car at a Wagga race meeting last year.
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Three children were in the car at the time.
Greyhound NSW stewards completed an inquiry into the death of Better Cruise after he finished fifth on January 5 with owner Tanya Kemp, formerly Tanya Skarratt, trainer Ben Talbot and veterinarian Dr Mark Sayer all banned for their involvement. Kemp has been disqualified for four years, Talbot for two years and Sayers warned off for two years as a result of the inquiry.
The inquiry heard conflicting evidence as to a conversation between Kemp and Talbot after the race.
Sayer had examined the greyhound, found no signs of illness or injury and a stewards inquiry into Better Cruise’s performance on the night found he failed to pursue the lure and suspended him from racing at Wagga for 28 days.
Kemp argued she could not afford to keep the suspended greyhound due to the care her husband required while Talbot believed an arrangement had been made prior to the meeting that Better Cruise would not return home with him.
Regardless, the inquiry found an arrangement was made for Sayer to euthanise the greyhound and it was done in the back of Talbot’s car after the meeting.
Evidence tendered said Talbot’s wife and three young children were in the car but the children were watching a DVD, facing forward with mesh separating the cargo section from the seats.
Kemp denied all charges but was found to have failed to comply with Greyhound NSW’s policies regarding euthanising greyhounds, including failing to explore all possible appropriate options to retire the greyhound who was not ill or injured.
The inquiry found Kemp’s actions in arranging, authorising and paying for the euthanasia improper and also “detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image or promotion of greyhound racing”.
Talbot and Sayer also denied all charges but the inquiry found their actions were improper and of such an intolerable nature to be “detrimental or prejudicial to the interest, welfare, image or promotion of greyhound racing”.
Talbot was also found guilty of knowingly aiding and/or abetting Kemp to break the rules.
Sayer was also charged with failing to comply with the GRNSW On Track Veterinarian Manual, but was found not guilty due to no evidence he received the manual being found.
When contacted by The Daily Advertiser Kemp declined to comment, while Sayer said he would appeal the findings and Talbot did not respond.
