Greyhound trainer disqualified for failing to care for injured greyhound pup

Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) Stewards have today disqualified North Brisbane greyhound Trainer Benjamin Shepherd for two and a half years for failing to provide adequate care for a greyhound pup which resulted in the amputation of its right foreleg.

Steward’s found Mr Shepherd guilty of a breach of GAR 106 (1)(d) for failing to seek appropriate veterinary attention for a pup in his care with a serious injury when it was necessary, between April and May 2019.

He was also found guilty of breaching GAR 106 (2) for failing to provide reasonable care to the greyhound pup, which was subjected to unnecessary pain and suffering.

Mr Shepherd is also guilty of breaching (GAR) 86 (e) for failing to provide evidence when questioned by the Stewards regarding a greyhound pup in his care.

Stewards considered the severity of the injury, the time in which the greyhound was not provided adequate care, that the injury sustained, resulted in the amputation of the right foreleg and that the pup’s leg could have been repaired with suitable veterinary attention.

Stewards did acknowledge that Mr Shepherd made some attempt to assist the injured pup but not seek appropriate veterinary advice according to the rules of racing.

Stewards imposed a penalty to send a clear and unequivocal message that participants understand that fully participating in an inquiry process is a core requirement, and to ensure participants provide appropriate care for all registered greyhounds.  

Mr Shepherd did not provide the Stewards with a plea and they subsequently found him guilty of all three charges and disqualified him for a total of two and a half years.

The report about the injured pup was made to QRIC from a member of the public.

ENDS.

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