Trainer Disqualified After Winning Greyhound Tests Positive For Meth
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A greyhound trainer has been disqualified and fined after a winning dog tested positive for methamphetamine following a race.
Zipping Sarah was the first greyhound past the post at the Addington Raceway in Christchurch in November last year, with a prize of $4,000 at stake.
However, before the prize could be awarded, the dog was ordered to complete a drug test, which came back positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
The money was not handed over to Foxton trainer Angela Helen Turnwald and an investigation was started into the incident.
The Judicial Control Authority for Racing (JCA) found Zipping Sarah was one of two dogs brought from Foxton to Christchurch, according to the New Zealand Herald, on the day of the race.
The animals were transported by a licensed kennel hand.
The JCA couldn't determine when the drug was given to the winning dog.
It also ruled that trainer Turnwald did not carry out 'a deliberate wrongdoing'.
JCA panel chairman Warwick Gendall QC said: "Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant which poses significant animal welfare issues.
"The level of amphetamine (as it metabolised from methamphetamine) in the sample was particularly large."
The racing authority has disqualified Turnwald for four months and fined her $3,500.
It comes as New Zealand's Minister for Racing, Grant Robertson, launched an inquiry into the greyhound racing industry.
He has been shocked by the amount of incidents that have occurred and threatened to escalate the situation if more wrongdoing is uncovered.
Mr Robertson says not enough work has been done since 2017, when a report unveiled problems with the greyhound racing industry.
He said: "I have informed Greyhound Racing NZ that I am not satisfied the recommendations are being implemented in a way that is improving animal welfare, and with their failure to provide sufficient information on changes they are making.
"It is the responsibility of the industry to hold itself accountable and ensure the best possible standards of welfare for greyhounds.
"Should the review show that progress has not been sufficient, a further fundamental look at the greyhound racing industry may be required."
The inquiry is backed by animal rights group SAFE, who were shocked to discover five dogs died over the summer at Whanganui Greyhound Track alone.
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: New Zealand, Dog, Drugs, Animals
