Friday 19 May 2017

Investigations into live baiting allegations continue

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Greyhound Racing NSW and the RSPCA are investigating fresh allegations of live baiting after three dead rabbits were found at a greyhound training centre in Cessnock.

The RSPCA have performed a post-mortem examination on the rabbits to determine if this was a case of animal cruelty.

Chief Inspector of RSPCA NSW, David O'Shaughnessy says they're currently waiting on results before investigations continue.

"We're hoping that the post mortem will indicate cause of death, approximate time of death and the circumstances surrounding the death of those animals and that will enable us to further determine whether or not there were offences committed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act," he said.

"We await the outcome of the post-mortem examination before we're able to sort of determine what direction further enquiries might take."

According to the Chief Inspector, if evidence of live baiting is found "the maximum penalties would be $22, 000 fines for individuals and/or up to two years imprisonment."

The RSPCA encourages anyone to report their concerns on live baiting.