SYDNEY, (AFP) - At least 55 dead greyhounds have been found dumped in Australia, with police Thursday investigating the grisly find which comes on the heels of a live baiting scandal rocking the dog racing industry.
The carcasses were discovered in various states of decomposition by a member of the public near Bundaberg, 360 kilometres (223 miles) north of Brisbane in Queensland state, on Tuesday.
“Police and the RSPCA are investigating the discovery of greyhound carcasses in bushland near Bundaberg,” police said, adding that the probe was being conducted as part of their Joint Greyhound Racing Inquiry Taskforce.
“The RSPCA attended the scene where at least 55 greyhound carcasses have been found in various states of decomposition. Investigations are ongoing.”
The taskforce was established to investigate live baiting using possums, rabbits and piglets to train some of the country’s most successful dogs.
It was prompted by a television expose in February that showed the animals being fixed to mechanical lures before being chased and torn apart during training sessions.
A lure is traditionally an artificial hare or rabbit.
Bundaberg Greyhound Club president Stephen Bland took to Facebook to express shock at the discovery of the bodies.
“We are appalled by the news and are doing all we can to find whomever is responsible for this disgraceful act,” he said.
The state’s Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller also used social media to note her outrage.
“Absolutely sickened that @QPSmedia > @RSPCAQld have found the remains of 55 greyhounds. Animal cruelty in Qld won’t be tolerated,” she tweeted.
Australia has one of the largest greyhound racing industries in the world. Live baiting has been banned and criminalised for decades.
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