On 10 September 2024 NSW regulator GWIC reported that trainer Christopher Carl has been banned from greyhound racing for 27 months.
Mr Carl has been involved in the Greyhound Racing industry as a registered participant since 1 April 1985, a total period of over 39 years.
BACKGROUND
During the inspection of the Property, Commission Inspectors were taken by Carl to a yard
at the rear of the property where they found six greyhounds. These greyhounds included an unnamed greyhound (the Dam) and her five puppies. Three of the pups, included:
an unnamed black female greyhound (Greyhound 1);
an unnamed fawn female greyhound (Greyhound 2);
and
an unnamed fawn male greyhound (Greyhound 3)
all three of these puppies, had obvious signs of injuries, with large open wounds likely caused by an aggressive black male greyhound pup in the yard.
At this time, Commission Inspectors observed wounds on Greyhounds 1, 2 and 3, which based on their observations, and in their opinion, were fresh and bleeding, while other wounds were older and had commenced healing. The Inspectors formed the view that the wounds observed upon Greyhounds 1, 2 and 3 were consistent with these dogs being attacked and injured over an ongoing and lengthy period.
In discussing this matter with the Commission’s Inspectors, Mr Carl indicated that he was aware of the injuries to the Greyhounds but was at a loss as to how to manage the injuries as he was ‘unable to catch the greyhounds’.
CHARGES
Charge 1 [Standard 3.31]
During the period between the 25 December 2022 and 14
February 2023, Mr Carl failed to provide veterinary attention to
a greyhound in his care, suffering an injury. Consequently, the
greyhound, being an unnamed black female greyhound
(Microchip: 991003002172732) (Greyhound 1) suffered pain.
Charge 2 [Standard 3.32]
During the period between the 25 December 2022 and 14
February 2023, Mr Carl failed to provide veterinary attention to
a greyhound in his care, suffering an injury. Consequently, the
greyhound, being an unnamed fawn female greyhound
(Microchip: 991003002172733) (Greyhound 2) suffered pain.
Charge 3 [Standard 3.33]
During the period between the 25 December 2022 and 14 February
2023, Mr Carl failed to provide veterinary attention to a greyhound
in his care, suffering an injury. Consequently, the greyhound, being
an unnamed fawn male greyhound (Microchip: 991003002172735)
(Greyhound 3) suffered pain.
Charge 4 [Standards 2.8 and 2.114]
On the 14 and 15 February 2023, during inspections of Mr Carl’s
registered kennel premises, he was found to have failed to provide
adequate clean drinking water to greyhounds in his care.
Charge 5 [Standard 3.65]
On the 14 and 15 February 2023, during inspections of Mr Carl’s
registered kennel premises, he was found not to keep or retain
records detailing any or all medical treatments administered to greyhounds in his care.
Charge 6 [Standard 3.106]
On the 14 and 15 February 2023, during inspections of Mr Carl’s
registered kennel premises, he was found to have expired
medications and supplements in his possession.
Charge 7 [Standard 5.3, 5.12 and 5.207]
On the 14 and 15 February 2023, during inspections of Mr Carl’s
registered kennel premises, his kennels were found to be non-
compliant in that:
they lacked clean, hygienic and dry bedding for his greyhounds;
there were visible ‘sharps’ protruding from fencing; and
there was a buildup of rubbish throughout the yard, including a
sheet of tin with sharp edges.
Charge 8 [Standard 7.128]
On the 14 and 15 February 2023, during inspections of Mr Carl’s
registered kennel premises, he was found not to keep an exercise,
socialisation and enrichment plan for the greyhounds in his care.
https://www.gwic.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/Mr-Christopher-James-CARL-Disciplinary-Action-Decision-10-September-2024%20%28updated%29.pdf