Record fine and lifetime ban for SA greyhound trainer
Greyhound Racing SA has disqualified a trainer for life and issued a huge fine after vision of his treatment of greyhounds prompted an inquiry into the sport.
The training licenses and registrations of Tony and Lisa Rasmussen were suspended in July 2023 after vision of dogs being kicked and mistreated was released.
The video prompted a government-commissioned inquiry, which delivered 86 recommendations for change in the greyhound racing industry.
GRSA opened an investigation after the footage, laying charges within 48 hours under the Greyhounds Australasia Rules and Local Rules of racing.
Rasmussen had initially entered a not guilty plea to all charges, charged with eight counts of ill-treatment of a greyhound, a failure to exercise care and supervision of a greyhound to prevent pain or suffering, causing or permitting on premises a condition dangerous to health, welfare or safety of a greyhound, and conduct detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing.
But greyhound racing’s independent Integrity Hearings Panel said on Monday afternoon that it had found Tony Rasmussen guilty on all counts.
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He was handed a lifetime disqualification from the industry and a $220,000 fine for 11 separate offences.
GRSA chair Grantley Stevens welcomed the decision and the penalties.
“This was a clear failure to uphold the standards and integrity we expect in our sport and there is no place for such appalling behaviour,” Stevens said.
GRSA CEO Brenton Scott said the group had “zero tolerance for the mistreatment of greyhounds”.
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“We are pleased with an outcome that very clearly underlines this position. Our focus remains on creating a strong industry that is well positioned for the future and we continue to progress against the recommendations handed down as part of the state government’s independent inquiry,” he said.
The IHP also determined charges against Lisa Rasmussan, after she pleaded guilty on June 7 to three charges.
Rasmussan has been found guilty of failing to exercise care and supervision of a greyhound to prevent pain or suffering, causing or permitting on premises a condition dangerous to health, welfare or safety of a greyhound, and conduct detrimental to the interest, welfare, image, control or promotion of greyhound racing.
She was disqualified for five years and three months and handed one $10,000 fine and two $5000 fines for each of the charges.
Lisa Rasmussan ultimately faces a cumulative 15-year, one-month and eight-day disqualification and $20,000 in fines.
A charge of ill-treatment of a greyhound was withdrawn against Lisa Rasmussan as it was determined there was no reasonable prospect of a conviction.
Registered people who become disqualified cannot own or train any registered greyhound for the disqualification period, with their registration automatically cancelled. They cannot associate with registered people for any purpose connected to greyhound racing.
