UK: Drugs, greyhounds and two very different outcomes

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From www.prfire.co.uk

Drugs, greyhounds and two very different outcomes

By Clive Ellis <http://www.prfire.co.uk/author/sighthoundtiscali-co-uk> on
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at 3:55 pm.

The variety of substances injected or fed to greyhounds that can potentially
affect the animal’s performance – speed up or slow down – is matched only by
the variety of excuses when the trainers are caught.

More recently two cases stand out not only because of the substances
involved but also because of how each case was dealt with and the outcome.

In September last year the police interviewed trainer Anthony Fowler on
reports he was selling cannabis. It transpired, however, Fowler was giving
both cannabis and Viagra to a greyhound called Jake to affect the animal’s
track time.

The matter was brought to the attention of the RSPCA and though Fowler had
got rid of the greyhound – put down due to a shoulder injury… apparently – a
successful prosecution was brought against the trainer at Hartlepool
Magistrates Court.

On 9 August Fowler was banned from keeping dogs for life. The trainer was
further given an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and
ordered to pay £1,000 costs.

There are two key points concerning the above: Fowler was not a licensed
trainer and so not subject to the Rules of Racing under the Greyhound Board
of Great Britain and the case was dealt with by the magistrates’ court.

The second case concerns a black and white greyhound bitch called Steer Me
Home and trained by David Puddy. A urine sample was taken from the dog at
Central Park Stadium, Sittingbourne, in March this year and it was found to
contain methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Both are central nervous system stimulants. The former is a Class A drug
known colloquially as crystal meth. The latter is a Class B drug known as
speed.

Puddy is a licensed trainer (attached to Sittingbourne) and at a GBGB
disciplinary hearing held on 19 July was found in breach of rules 152 (i),
174 (i)(b) and 217. The disciplinary committee ordered that Puddy be
“severely reprimanded” and fined £750.

The magistrates’ court is of course independent. The GBGB are the governing
body for 25 tracks across England and Scotland, and Puddy is still running
dogs at Sittingbourne.

The GBGB press office stated this week that “with all cases relating to
drugs the relevant authorities are informed.” Puddy’s partner, speaking on
Monday, said neither the RSPCA nor the police had made any enquiries.

If there’s one positive to take from any of the above, it’s that Fowler was
banned from keeping dogs for life. The fact, however, Fowler was caught in
the first place had nothing to do with protecting animals.

Ultimately one is again left questioning whether the welfare of racing dogs
is best served by a self regulating industry. Furthermore, one has to
question the relationship between the GBGB and other “relevant authorities.”

Media Contact Details

* Name: Clive Ellis
* Company Name: Greyhound Watch
* Telephone Number: 07923501830
* Email: greyhoundwatch@yahoo.co.uk

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