THE Board of Racing Queensland has issued seven greyhound trainers with show cause notices as to why they should not be warned off Queensland racetracks for life following a board meeting at Deagon this afternoon.
RQ last week suspended seven trainers following a joint RSPCA-Queensland Police Service raid, while a further six were suspended today by stewards after footage of them allegedly involved in live-baiting was aired on 4 Corners last night. This takes the total of trainers suspended to 13.
As a result, the five-member board chaired by Mr Kevin Dixon took the decision to issue seven of those 13 trainers with show cause notices as to why they should not be warned off race tracks for life and prevented from taking further part in the industry.
Should the trainers fail to show cause within seven days, they will be prevented them from visiting any racecourse – greyhound, thoroughbred or harness – in Queensland, placing a bet or training, preparing or owning a registered racing animal.
“The individuals compelled to show cause are Reg Kay, Debra Arnold, Tom Noble, Tony McCabe, James Harding, Michael Chapman and Greg Stella,” Mr Dixon said.
“The other six trainers also remain suspended and their greyhounds suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Those individuals are Stephen Sherwell, Gerri Crisci, Anthony Hess, Steven Arnold, Mick Emery and Samantha Roberts.”
Mr Dixon said the decision had also been made to remove Mr Kay from the Queensland Greyhound Hall of Fame.