No prosecution for live-baiting greyhound trainers

The RSPCA's been advised that a video showing live baiting of greyhounds could not be used in court. (Danny Casey/AAP PHOTOS)

Three South Australian greyhound trainers hit with life bans and big fines in the state's first confirmed case of live baiting will not face criminal prosecution.

The RSPCA says it has received legal advice that covertly taken video footage of the incident would not be admissible in court.

The footage shows two men using live rabbits as lures to train greyhounds.

It led to Greyhound Racing SA recently imposing life bans on Troy Murray, Jackson Murray and Connor Murray after the case against them was heard by its Integrity Hearings Panel.

Troy Murray was also fined $80,000, Jackson Murray $40,000 and Connor Murray $60,000 after the authority successfully applied to the Supreme Court to use the video in its internal disciplinary proceedings.

The RSPCA said its legal advice raised concerns over the video being obtained unlawfully and its provenance was unknown.

It said repeated attempts to obtain the cooperation of the person who took the video had proved unsuccessful.

"Should further evidence come to light in relation to this case that is deemed legally admissible and sufficient to support a criminal prosecution, RSPCA SA will not hesitate to proceed," the organisation said in a statement.

The latest development in the live baiting case came after the state government recently launched an independent inquiry into greyhound racing following the release of a video of a different trainer kicking and punching a dog.

Former Victorian police chief Graham Ashton will conduct the investigation that could strip the industry of its freedom to largely self-regulate.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the conduct in the video was unacceptable and animal welfare should be a paramount consideration for the industry.

"We’ve long been assured that instances like this do not happen in the greyhound racing industry," he said.

"But in light of the available evidence, we’re not prepared to take those assurances at face value."

The RSPCA's head of animal welfare Andrea Lewis said the organisation was preparing a submission to Mr Ashton's inquiry.

“The loud and clear message from what has occurred here and in other states is that self-regulation of greyhound racing does not work,” Ms Lewis said.

“There needs to be formal and complete separation of the integrity and regulatory functions from the commercial functions."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store