Greyhound Racing Victoria has formally warned off Alice Barrett of Toolern Vale, for a period of two (2) years, under Greyhounds Australasia Rule 165(a) following an investigation by the Greyhound Racing Integrity Unit (GRIU).
GRIU General Manager Shane O’Connell said the investigation found Ms Barrett, who is not a registered participant with GRV, has allegedly been running a business at her property, in which she takes on retired greyhounds from registered participants, advising them that she will rehome the greyhounds.
“She receives a substantial fee for this service,” Mr O’Connell said.
“Ms. Barrett was subject of a recent Stewards Inquiry and hearing and has been found guilty of engaging in conduct prejudicial or detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing, with greyhounds in her care and custody being found in in poor condition, including being underweight and living in non-compliant kennels. The RSPCA are also involved in this matter and are conducting a separate investigation into the condition of greyhounds in her care. A significant number of greyhounds have been surrendered to GRV by Ms. Barrett.”
GAR 156(x) states that an offence is committed if a person:
- being a registered person or person associated with greyhound racing, associates with a disqualified or warned off person for the purposes of greyhound racing;
Mr O’Connell added: “GRV strongly advises participants not to place greyhounds in the care of Ms Barrett, given this may pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of the greyhounds and such conduct may breach the rules of racing and subject the participant to an Inquiry and potential penalty.”
Mr O’Connell requested that any person with information about greyhound welfare matters should convey that information to GRV’s integrity unit via email at – [email protected] or the Report Suspicious Activity hotline – 1300 856 109.