Media release – Office of Racing Integrity, 5 August 2023
Inquiry in relation to greyhound trainer Anthony BULLOCK – imposition of suspension pending the inquiry
Stewards of the Office of Racing Integrity have commenced an inquiry under the Greyhounds Australasia Rules (GAR) in relation to greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock
Pursuant to powers vested under GAR 169(5) the Director of Racing as the Controlling Body, has determined it is appropriate to suspend Mr Bullock’s licence with immediate effect until the conclusion of the inquiry, or until otherwise advised (whichever is sooner).
Once finalised, a report in relation to the inquiry will be publicly released.
Statement – Kristie Johnston MP, independent Member for Clark, 5 August 2023
Bullock suspension welcomed but what happens to the animals?
Finally we have some action!
I welcome the news that notorious and lead greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock has been suspended pending the outcome of investigations into serious animal welfare allegations.
I, along with many other animal welfare advocates, have been calling out Mr Bullock’s appalling animal welfare standards and disregard for the rules of racing for a long time and it has to date fallen on deaf ears.
Despite the claims that his property is regularly inspected it took brave animal welfare advocates to release drone footage of the actual conditions on his property for action to be taken, but it is better late than never.
These poor animals have been kept in the most appalling conditions and the industry, ORI and the Government have allowed it to happen on their watch.
The question remains however will the animals remain in his care and what action will be taken to immediately provide them with the appropriate standard of care? After the footage of the animals and their condition was made public it is my firm view that the community’s expectation is that the animals be removed from his care and looked after properly.
I will be following this up with the Minister, the Office of Racing Integrity, and the RSPCA as a matter of urgency.
Finally I remind the community that these tragic circumstances these animals find themselves in is because we allow greyhound racing to continue. There are hundreds of dogs that need rescuing and call on those able to open their homes and couches to these beautiful dogs who deserve so much better in life.
Media release – RSPCA, 5 August 2023
RSPCA welcomes suspension of state’s largest greyhound trainer
The RSPCA has been actively campaigning for years about the need for more stringent oversight of racing in Tasmania, and specifically of improving the welfare standards in greyhound racing.
The video released this week of appalling conditions in which greyhounds are being kept at the kennels of Tasmania’s largest greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock, reinforces the on-going concerns the RSPCA and many others have expressed.
We have been investigating this footage in conjunction with the Office of Racing Integrity and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. We welcome the announcement from the Office of Racing Integrity that Mr Bullock’s licence has been suspended whilst their inquiry is underway.
As part of the ongoing RSPCA investigation, we will be working to ensure the welfare and safety of the greyhounds in Mr Bullock’s care.
However, we know that wherever money is involved, animals will always finish last.
Tasmania lags far behind other states in recognising that public attitudes to racing have changed. We’ve all heard for too long statements from government that they support the racing industry and recognise the importance of animal welfare. However, while everyone says animal welfare is a priority, the cupboard is bare in terms of funding to deliver better outcomes.
The Tasmanian government pours more than $32m of public money into racing every year – with little accountability and no transparency. This is simply not good enough anymore.
It is long past time for concerns expressed about animal welfare to be matched by increased public scrutiny and investment.
We will be closely monitoring the welfare of Mr Bullock’s dogs while these investigations are underway.
This is a wake-up call for all those involved in the racing. It is long past time for this industry to be made to stand on its own feet – by ending taxpayer funding for this so-called ‘sport’.
We will also continue to keep this issue in the public eye – and to hold the government to account to protect the innocent creatures who are harmed every day in this cruel industry.
