Investigations into live baiting allegations continue

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Greyhound Racing NSW and the RSPCA are investigating fresh allegations of live baiting after three dead rabbits were found at a greyhound training centre in Cessnock.

The RSPCA have performed a post-mortem examination on the rabbits to determine if this was a case of animal cruelty.

Chief Inspector of RSPCA NSW, David O'Shaughnessy says they're currently waiting on results before investigations continue.

"We're hoping that the post mortem will indicate cause of death, approximate time of death and the circumstances surrounding the death of those animals and that will enable us to further determine whether or not there were offences committed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act," he said.

"We await the outcome of the post-mortem examination before we're able to sort of determine what direction further enquiries might take."

According to the Chief Inspector, if evidence of live baiting is found "the maximum penalties would be $22, 000 fines for individuals and/or up to two years imprisonment."

The RSPCA encourages anyone to report their concerns on live baiting.

Who dumped 'Hugo' in Muswellbrook?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The RSPCA are appealing for anyone with information about a dog which was dumped at a Muswellbrook pound to come forward.

A young dog was left in the overnight kennels of a Muswellbrook pound last week suffering severe emaciation and neglect.

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The dog has been nicknamed 'Hugo' by the RSPCA who were called to take the dog by staff at the pound upon realising how serious the situation was.

The dog was rushed to the vet and now remains at the Rutherford RSPCA shelter in care.

But the question remains, who dumped 'Hugo'?

"We're looking into a few bits and pieces of information with some suggestions starting to trickle in but obviously there's a long way to yet before we have any clear cut information about who may have done this, " said NSW RSPCA Inspector Russell Jarman.

"Even if this dog was found at a legitimate stray then I would ask that the people who found the dog and took it to the pound come forward".

If the person responsible for the act of neglect is discovered, they could be up for five years imprisonment and/or a $22,000 fine.

Inspector Russell Jarman says it is difficult to find out much about the dog itself, due to its poor condition.

"A ridgeback cross is what we've put him as and again that identification is difficult to determine due to its severe neglect and severe poor body condition,. He's a young dog and appears at this moment in time to be a really nice friendly dog so its obviously very unfortunate"

He is expected to make a full recovery.

Image www.rspcansw.org.au