Media release – RSPCA, 16 January 2024
Greyhound trainer let off the hook – again
Today’s decision of the Tas Racing Appeals Board to overturn the lifetime ban on greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock is devastating.
Innocent dogs continue to suffer and die because the rules of racing and state animal welfare laws are simply not strong enough to ensure those who do the wrong thing can be successfully held to account.
Details of the decision can be found here: Tasmanian Racing Appeal Board Decision (nre.tas.gov.au)
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 videos released last year of appalling conditions in which greyhounds are being kept at several kennels, including those of Tasmania’s largest greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock, reinforces the on-going concerns that we and many others have expressed.
Tasmania lags far behind other states in recognising that public attitudes to racing have changed and strengthening standards required for participants.
Time after time, we’ve heard 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 commitment – and 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.
The community expects concerns expressed about animal welfare to be matched by increased public scrutiny and investment.
This is also a wake-up call for all those involved in the racing industry. Those participants who do the right thing need to call out bad behaviour and make it clear this will not be accepted. And it is long past time for this industry to be made to stand on its own feet by ending its reliance on taxpayer funding.
We will also continue to keep this issue in the public eye – and to hold the industry – and the government – to account to protect the innocent creatures who are forced to participate in this exploitative ‘sport’.
Media release – Animal Liberation Tasmania, 17 January 2024
What Did Bullock Know? Animal Liberation Tasmania 17/1/24
Last night, the decision on the Anthony Bullock appeal against a lifetime disqualification for alleged luring offences was handed down, with the appeal upheld. But well before the appeal decision was made, strange things were afoot at the Bullock property in Exeter.
Images provided to Animal Liberation Tasmania from November 21 2023 show significant updates having been made to a main kennel bank. A large colourbond shed with two double roller doors has been installed. This sort of building does not come cheap, and was certainly not installed out of a pang of conscience following community outcry over the conditions these dogs were being housed in during the middle of winter over many years. The appeal had not yet been heard. With no certainty of the appeal outcome, nor of the outcome of his appeal against the West Tamar Council’s cancellation of his retrospectively issued kennel licence, what need was there for Bullock to spend significant amounts of money and energy in erecting such a structure?
July 2023.
November 2023.
November 2023.
Furthermore, an acquaintance of Bullock’s family and member of the greyhound racing fraternity has made alarming comments on a publicly viewable social media post, alleging that the new Racing Director from the Office of Racing Integrity (the newest one Robin Thompson, not the one who quit before he began the job to replace the one before that who was secretly reappointed for six months by Felix Ellis but then quit early) had actually called Anthony Bullock and promised to meet with him. Whilst said meeting is said to have not eventuated, it begs the question as to why the Racing Director allegedly called to meet with an individual who at that stage was still disqualified for life pending the result of his appeal. These comments were made five days ago (screenshots taken yesterday).
Comments from a publicly viewable Facebook post, by associates of Bullock ab = Bullock
The fact remains that Bullock appears to be an untouchable figure in the greyhound racing industry. From Tah Bernard, to a positive arsenic swab from one of his dogs, to not having a kennel licence for ten years despite such being a condition for the annual renewal of trainer licences, Bullock has time and again proven to be the Tasmanian racing industry’s own worst PR nightmare. And whilst Animal Liberation Tasmania would have preferred to see his lifetime ban upheld, this was never about Bullock the individual. This was always about an industry that continues to act in ways that are injurious to and exploitative of greyhounds. This decision is just one amongst many that seem aimed at protecting an industry money-spinner over the welfare and rights of the dogs.
The Decision
Referring specifically to the decision, the claims that Bullock did not know the pademelon tail was present in his bullring appear to have been upheld based on spurious accusations by Bullock that someone planted the tail there; the implication being that Animal Liberation Tasmania were somehow involved. This is a particularly interesting claim to make.
Animal Liberation Tasmania released footage on the evening of August 2, showing conditions on the Bullock property from a period of five day from mid-July. Our focus was on the housing of the dogs, the condition of a horse on the property, a number of deceased pademelons, and a trailer with animal parts in various stages of decomposition. Bullock was suspended from racing on August 5 by then Racing Director Justin Helmich. The first part of the investigation was concluded by September 14, with Bullock said to be “broadly compliant” but still facing a lifetime ban over the discovery of an animal part reasonably believed to be used as a lure. On October 25 a lifetime disqualification was imposed.
At this same time Bullock’s own father Paul Bullock began making unsubstantiated claims on the Animal Liberation Tasmania page that our organisation had been involved in planting the lure; at no point prior had this been alleged by anyone, industry participant or otherwise. On October 26 The Advocate reported that Bullock would lodge an appeal. Further, consideration must be given to the short time period between the release of footage from Bullock’s property and that of Gary Johnson, which was also inspected by stewards with no evidence of baiting or illegal luring was found. If an activist or drone operator was “planting” such things, why not at Johnson’s or at any of the other properties from which Animal Liberation Tasmania has released footage? Both Johnson and Heawood have bullrings on their properties.
Given the ability of the anonymous drone operator in flying said drone, had a lure been planted at the time of flying (as alleged in the report from the appeal) it would have been easy for the operator to zoom in and capture evidence of a tail on film. And yet, in releasing the video on August 2, we did not include such images because we had none. Furthermore, in footage we do have of the bullring dating July 16, not only is the bullring not significantly water logged, there is no sign of a wallaby tail but instead an industry standard artificial greyhound lure.
Screenshots from footage dated July 16 2023, original video can be supplied to verify.
There are a great many questions that require asking of the panel (Kate Cuthbertson, Amber Cohen, Rodney Lester) overseeing the appeal. Why was Bullock’s statement that he used an app on his phone that detected “bluetooth devices” and that he was “able to detect a number of cameras” trained on his bullring taken without provision of supporting evidence, such as a screenshot of said app detecting these alleged cameras? Why was Bullock’s claim that his own CCTV cameras were non-operational during the time of drone filming and the release of footage due to some “melted wires” (and thus were unable to be used to identify persons alleged to be on the property) accepted without evidence of damage or subsequent repair? Why is a verbal statement from a steward, who has known Bullock for many years by her own account, taken as proof that Bullock’s “surprise” on locating the lure was genuine? How is the general public to trust that stewards are capable of monitoring racing participants if they could not locate a tail tied to a lure arm whilst they were in the bullring and touching the arm itself, and only saw the tail whilst reviewing body-worn camera footage afterwards? Why did RSPCA Tasmania not supply the full unedited copy of the footage to the steward’s investigation, that they had been sent at the same time as Animal Liberation Tasmania as confirmed in a phone conversation between Animal Liberation spokesperson Kristy Alger and RSPCA Tasmania CEO Jan Davis the morning after the initial release of footage, given that the panel stated they were unaware of any lengthier version being available? How did the large puncture wounds on both dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tail come to be there? Why is a verbal assertion of ignorance of the presence of an object on one’s own property taken as a valid defence?
And finally, what was the fate of the horse the drone footage showed in such an emaciated state, that Bullock admits in the appeal report he took measures to “remove from the property” as soon as the footage was released? And how did they come to be there?
Rather than resolving this matter, Bullock’s successful appeal has only resulted in many more questions needing to be answered. And rather than exonerating an individual, this appeal condemns an entire industry. Given the sheer volume of unresolved matters relating to this appeal and its result, Animal Liberation Tasmania is again calling for a fully independent inquiry into the greyhound racing industry in Tasmania. Given Felix Ellis’ seeming inability to release the results of the Murrihy Report to the public in a timely manner, neither the government nor the industry can be trusted to oversee such a process.
Animal Liberation Tasmania is calling out not only the ineptitude of this system but also the inherent corruption.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 17 January 2024
Bullock Ban Decision Appalling But Predictable
The decision to overturn greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock’s lifetime ban is appalling, but a predictable outcome given his importance to the industry.
Given the Office of Racing Integrity’s decision to impose a lifetime ban on Mr Bullock, it is impossible to understand why they didn’t contest his appeal. It would appear this so-called integrity body is content for things to return to business as usual.
Greyhound racing brutalises gentle dogs on an industrial scale. The fact this trainer will now be allowed to resume training greyhounds tells Tasmanians all they need to know about the shady reality of the industry.
For years there have been serious concerns raised about Mr Bullock, but there’s been almost no response from regulators and the government. His chequered history includes prohibited substances being found in his dogs, evidence of greyhounds being kept in terrible conditions on his property, allegations of inappropriate betting activity and stacking races with his dogs – not to mention him operating for nearly a decade without a kennel licence.
We know greyhound racing in Tasmania would be at risk without Anthony Bullock’s involvement, given the number of dogs he races. He is clearly seen by the industry – and by the government – as too big to fail.
The majority of Tasmanians do not support greyhound racing, yet both Labor and the Liberals are cheerleading this grubby industry. It’s shameful.
While greyhound racing is allowed to continue in Tasmania, these sensitive dogs will keep suffering and dying both on and off tracks. The Greens won’t stop fighting to end this cruelty – we won’t let those dogs down.
Media release – Anthony Bullock, 17 January 2024
— untitled —
In a remarkable turn of events, Anthony Bullock, the greyhound trainer who faced a lifetime ban, now experience profound relief as the ban has been overturned following a successful appeal.
Throughout this long ordeal, Mr Bullock steadfastly maintained his innocence, and with the absence of concrete evidence, this decision stands as a testament to the lack of substantiation in the allegations against him.
Enduring this challenging period has been incredibly difficult, particularly due to the persistence allegations from the both the media and the grandstanding public figures.
Some segment of the general public even went so far as to portray Mr Bullock as a malevolent figure capable of callously mistreating the animals he loves. The most distressing statement was on public radio station suggesting because Mr Bullock was charged with a lifetime ban, what would actually happen to all of the Greyhounds, it was suggested Mr Bullock may knock the greyhounds on the head and throw them on the tip. Mr Bullock cannot stress enough how profoundly distressing this experience has been for both his family and himself. You can only imagine the emotional toll this unfounded scrutiny has taken, it is unimaginable, so much, he wouldn’t wish it upon anyone, especially someone who is innocent.
Gratitude from Mr Bullock as he acknowledges the unwavering support from his partner and family, dedicated staff and close friends during this turbulent period. Though refraining from naming each individual, their collective impact is immeasurable, and Mr Bullock holds their support in the highest regard.
In addressing the concerns about the property presentation, Mr Bullock openly admits he could do more, and now he has, Mr Bullock has calibrated closely with the West Tamar Council and the relevant authorities to meticulously clean and restore his property. This proactive commitment demonstrates his dedication to creating an environment where the greyhounds not only thrive, but also experience optimal comfort and contentment.
As Mr. Bullock prepares to resume his role, he unequivocally vows to uphold elevated standards, showcasing a sincere commitment to evolving as a leader in the greyhound’s industry.
Eager to return to his passion promptly, Mr Bullock expresses his focus on caring for his greyhounds and winning races for both him and his clients. To the Skeptics, he emphasised the dawning of a new chapter in his life, personally and professionally, Mr Bullock appeals for privacy as he and his family navigate the aftermath of a very challenging period. This plea underscores the need for time to heal collectively, prioritising their mental well-being in the wake of this relentless ordeal.
Editor’s note: occasionally we correct obvious errors of grammar and spelling but in this case we haven’t. Corrections require us to clearly understand the intent of the writer. For example we have no idea what ‘calibrated closely with West Tamar Council’ is supposed to mean. Or whether he is addressing a formal group of Skeptics, or just skeptics. And so on.
