Media release – Cassy O’Connor MP, Greens Leader and Animal Welfare spokesperson, 27 February 2022

Greens Back Calls for New Racing Minister to Release Report into Death of Tah Bernard

The Greens support calls from Let Greyhounds Run Free, GREAT, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds and the Dog Walking Club of Tasmania for the new Racing Minister to release the report into the tragic death of Tah Bernard.

The death of 18 month old greyhound, Tah Bernard, at a Mowbray vet sparked distressing eyewitness allegations of animal cruelty levelled at high profile trainer, Anthony Bullock.

This is a matter of significant public interest. Not only are most Tasmanians animal welfare lovers, but it’s an industry that can’t survive without huge sums of taxpayer money.

Once appointed by the Premier, the new Minister for Racing should release the report into Tah Bernard’s death. Animal welfare advocates have been waiting for three months for results of the investigation into trainer, Anthony Bullock.

A major player in the cruel greyhound racing industry, Bullock was allowed to keep dogs and keep profiting from their misery while the investigation was underway. We understand his dogs have taken home approximately $190,000 in winnings in that time.

Taxpayers stump up about $10 million a year to fund greyhound racing. It’s state-subsidised animal cruelty.

The death of Tah Bernard has distressed and angered Tasmanian dog owners. Peter Gutwein’s new Racing Minister must recognise animal welfare is a critical concern in their new portfolio and release the report in full as soon as possible.

Facebook post – Let Greyhounds Run Free, 28 February 2022

Peter Gutwein – Let Greyhounds Run Free!

We ask Tasmanian residents to contact Premier Gutwein via email: [email protected]. LGRF have provided a template for you below:

Dear Mr Gutwein,
I am writing to you in regards to the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry and appointment of the new racing minister.
Once appointed, the first act of the new racing minister must be to release the report into the animal cruelty investigation for the death of Tah Bernard.
It has now been in excess of 3 months since the joint ORI/RSPCA investigation commenced.
During this period, the alleged perpetrator of animal cruelty Anthony Bullock has been able to continue to race greyhounds, with total prize money approximately $190k.
When, and will you, publish the full findings to the public?
What is the result of the Melbourne laboratory’s report? Why has it taken so long? When, and will you, publish the lab findings to the public?
Why was Anthony Bullock not suspended at the start of the investigation? Are you aware that his dogs have won more than $190,000 in prize money in this time? How can this be allowed?
What action will the new racing minister take to address the blatant corruption and inadequacy of the Office of Racing Integrity?
The Tasmanian public demands better for greyhound welfare. 

Media release – Animal Justice Party (AJP), 6 March 2022

Tasmanian Greyhound Cruelty, Licencing Questions Still Unanswered

The Animal Justice Party (AJP) in Tasmania is concerned about a case of alleged animal cruelty that occurred last year by greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock, to 18-month-old greyhound, Tah Bernard.

Spokesperson for the Animal Justice Party, Ivan Davis, stated that he had recently contacted the West Tamar Council seeking clarification on the matter of Mr Bullock’s application for a kennel licence, given that Mr Bullock is under investigation for alleged cruelty.

Mr Davis said, “The Council assured us that they would be contacting the investigating bodies, the RSPCA and the Office of Racing Integrity, about this matter. However, we are concerned that the investigation has not yet resulted in any decision, so surely granting a licence should remain on hold until completion of the investigation.”

“There is also the question of whether Mr Bullock actually had a kennel licence to operate at his property, where there are allegedly over 70 greyhounds. The West Tamar Council did not address this question so the Animal Justice Party would like to know if the Council has mistakenly allowed Mr Bullock to operate without a kennel licence. If this is the case, the Council should be prosecuting Mr Bullock, not considering his application for a licence, regardless of whether, or perhaps because, he is one of the largest greyhound trainers in the state.” said Mr Davis.

Mr Davis concluded, “Due to the questions surrounding this serious matter, many in the community, including animal welfare groups, individual greyhound owners, animal-lovers, and the AJP, want clear answers immediately and for due process to ensue.“