Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) interim CEO Paul Newson has urged anyone who may have evidence of animal cruelty in NSW greyhound racing, including any evidence of mass graves, to contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Hotline to ensure the matter can be fully investigated.
The action comes after a mass grave containing greyhound carcasses was found near Bundaberg, Queensland last week.
Mr Newson encouraged anyone who had information about potential mass graves related to the NSW greyhound racing industry to contact the Hotline as soon as possible to ensure authorities such as NSW Police and RSPCA NSW can investigate the claims further.
“The discovery near Bundaberg last week was deeply concerning and I would urge anyone who believes there are similar cases in NSW to contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Hotline immediately to ensure the mistreatment of animals can be eradicated from the sport of greyhound racing for good,” Mr Newson said.
“If any evidence of mass graves emerges in NSW, GRNSW will cooperate fully with the NSW Police and RSPCA NSW to ensure the matter can be properly investigated and individuals found to have been involved in animal cruelty are held accountable.”
All concerns lodged with the Hotline are collected by Service NSW and subsequently assessed for intelligence purposes and potential investigation or compliance action by GRNSW. Where matters relate to alleged misconduct of GRNSW staff or raise matters that are better dealt with by another agency, such as NSW Police or the RSPCA, they are escalated to the relevant regulatory authority or referred for independent investigation as appropriate.
Members of the public can contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Hotline 24/7 through the following methods:
• by phone on 1800 680 174; or
• at its website at www.greyhoundwelfare.com.au
The Special Commission of Inquiry into Greyhound Racing in NSW, led by Commissioner Michael McHugh QC, AC, and counsel assisting Mr Stephen Rushton SC, will call for public submissions in accordance with its terms of reference.
