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.
