[warning: offensive and disturbing language]
Three racing participants were recently charged with social media abuse, reflecting a constant flow of abuse aimed at greyhound welfare advocates.
GRNSW’s response? A statement issued after participants had notified them of attacks “from those who oppose our sport.”
On 5 April 2026, trainer Michael Bloomfield abused an advocate with a post that said: “Go play on the road behind you.. You c**t of a thing”
On 7 April, GRV found him guilty of breaching social media guidelines and penalised him to “send a clear and unequivocal message that such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated within the industry.”
CPG posted on X on 9 April. GRNSW issued their statement on 14 April.
On 20 March 2026, GRV found Michael Gibbons guilty of breaching social media guidelines for comments including “Did the male who inseminated you get done for beastiality (sic). Just wondering”
On 1 October 2025, Joseph Baldachhino made offensive posts. He was warned on 12 January 2026. He made further comments on 13 February and 10 March, and found guilty by GWIC on 19 March 2026. His comments are too disturbing to publish.
GRV issued a statement “in response to trainer disqualification” on 21 March 2026.
They said: “Racist, abusive or discriminatory behaviour is unacceptable under any circumstances, and GRV will continue to take decisive action when participants fail to meet the standards expected of them.”
GWIC has been silent, while GRNSW went in to bat for racing participants.
Much of the pro-racing abuse against welfare advocates is gendered, misogynistic and violent.
The Guardian recently published analysis that stated “Online abuse is silencing women on a staggering scale”.
Women make up a vast majority of the animal welfare movement, estimated at between 70 percent to over 85 percent.
But of course standards are set by the leadership. Shayne Stiff is supported by GRNSW and is President of NSW greyhound racing clubs. He once notoriously ranted while children were present:
“You are a useless stupid black c**t.”
“You fucking idiots, you fucking imbeciles, that c**t, cockhead staff members, this club’s a fucking joke”
“…you’re a bunch of c***s, you’re fucking disgraceful”
Links:
https://www.grv.org.au/news/2026/03/21/grv-response-to-trainer-disqualification/
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/apr/18/online-abuse-women-democracy-laws
https://greyhoundcoalition.com/the-language-of-the-tracks-content-warning/