TV3 6pm news - the Dogs

[Peanut]

Lead item on the six o clock news.  More Abuse of Greyhounds by a leading trainer and another pathetic appearance by the disgraced former TAB chairperson Glenda Hughes.   Time for this horrid  sport to go. Time for Glenda the badwitch to jump on her broom and get the hell out of dodge.  AT very least get this awful excuse for a sport off the same TRackside channel as TB racing. 

[Chief Stipe]

Racing regulator inquires into condition of dogs owned by John McInerney, NZ's most prolific greyhound trainer

• EXCLUSIVE
• 17 minutes ago
•  

Michael Morrah

 

Warning: This story contains images and descriptions that may upset some viewers.

Newshub has obtained multiple photos and descriptions of injured greyhounds linked to the South Island's most successful trainer, John McInerney.

An independent vet says the images warrant investigation, while animal rights group SAFE described the condition of the dogs as disgraceful.

McInerney oversees the largest number of racing dogs in the country.

Newshub can reveal he was recently charged by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) for racing another dog when it had an open wound - its tail bone.

In the photos supplied to Newshub, another dog, Homebush Bayern, is seen with a large, partially-healed wound on his right shoulder, and a fresh wound on the back consistent with bite marks from another dog.

Homebush Ramona had an infected dislocated toe that had to be amputated.

Other dogs had sores on their legs. Photos of them were taken shortly after the former racing dogs were dropped off at a rehoming kennel.

All were trained by John McInerney, although he denied that eight of his 11 dogs were in a poor condition when they arrived.

"That's not true," he said.

But Will Appelbe, SAFE investigations and rapid response manager, said the images are "seriously concerning".

"This is one of the biggest trainers in the country, he races about 200 dogs a year. Eleven dogs went to this kennel and eight of them have serious issues - that's a huge red flag."

Newshub has been leaked notes about the dogs' conditions.

Impressive Chase was 75 percent blind in one eye, "terrified of humans" and "aggressive"; Mattie Blueblood and Lonely Baxter had wounds that needed stitches; and Sozin's Comet was 6kg underweight and had severe worms.

Helen Beattie, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa managing director, said it warrants further investigation.

"We need more information, but certainly from the numbers coming through, the injuries seen, there absolutely needs to be further scrutiny of what's going on here."

Beattie was formerly New Zealand's chief veterinary officer and now runs an independent, science-led animal welfare company.

Her biggest concern is the marks seen on some of the dogs, which she believes are pressure sores.

"That speaks to a much more chronic, long-term husbandry issue where these animals are lying on hard surfaces for long periods of time that are causing those pressure sores," she said.

"We should be concerned about that - that's not acceptable."

Welfare rules state:

Bedding must be provided at all times and the bed must be raised off the ground.

Greyhounds are to be protected from injury by other greyhounds

Immediate veterinary care must be provided for sick or injured greyhounds

John McInerney has made over $1 million so far this season and has 191 racing dogs - the largest number of any trainer in the country.

Newshub understands the injured dogs came from a property in Darfield, and that several dogs had advanced issues with worms.

Beattie said the higher the population density in an area, the harder parasites become to control.

McInerney has been charged by the RIB for failing to provide proper care for another dog, Homebush Hero, by not checking it for injury prior to racing.

Evidence at his hearing showed the greyhound's tail bone was exposed in what was described as in a "horrible state" and a days-old infection.

McInerney denied it was that bad prior to the race, saying it could have been injured in the starting box.

Newshub asked him about the photos, showing other dogs in poor condition.

"There's a picture of Homebush Bayern. How did he get those injuries?" he was asked.

"It was a dog fight," McInerney responded.

He said the injuries were "completely healed" when dropped off, although it's evident from photos the dog also had a fresh wound on its back.

"What about Ramona that had to have two toes amputated on arrival at the kennels?" Newshub asked.

"News to me," he said.

When shown that photo, he denied the injury happened at his property, saying: "It didn't come from our place like that."

Asked if he believes he's neglected his responsibilities as a greyhound trainer, McInerney said no: "That dog was not like that when it left our kennels."

But in Beattie's opinion, it's not a new injury.

"So there's a dislocated toe as well as an open wound, and the open wound would not have happened in a mere number of hours. That's a more long-standing injury," she said.

Newshub understands multiple dogs needed "immediate" vet care after being dropped off.

"It's completely shameful, It's disgraceful," said Appelbe.

"I feel for the dogs that have had to go through that kind of pain, because I think they're clear examples of neglect."

It's alleged neglect the RIB is now looking into.

RIB chief executive Mike Clement told Newshub concerns have been raised with them in relation to the photos, and the regulator is making inquiries. 

"We are conducting inquiries to determine whether or not there's an allegation to be investigated," he told Newshub.

Clement said it takes such reports seriously and he would not rule out asking the SPCA to assist with its investigations. 

"We reserve the right to do that." 

The CEO of Greyhound Racing New Zealand refused to answer specific questions about the issue, saying it was being overseen by the RIB. 

"All matters of concern of the nature you have raised are referred to the independent Racing Integrity Board for their consideration and/or investigation," she said.

John McInerney did not respond to further questions from Newshub.

[Peanut]

The guy is absolute scum.   Enough is enough.  All "Racing" gets tarred with the same brush by this disgusting excuse for sport. 

[Doomed]

Surely this would be more suited to the dogs forum. I have just had the most unsettling image of Gelda impaled on her broom

[BitofaLegend]

Not even surprised.

Grnz just buries its head in the sand and pretends like the industry is squeaky clean.

Only a matter of time before this industry is gone...

 

And if you think the other industries are squeeky clean, you will have another thing coming after greyhound racings finished

[Newmarket]

Sad, very sad

[Chief Stipe]

A few obvious things don't add up with this story.

[BitofaLegend]

4 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

A few obvious things don't add up with this story.

Agh yes the photos totally looked fake

Edited May 4, 2022 by BitofaLegend

[Freda]

It does make one wonder why dogs in such poor shape would be 'dropped off at a re-homing kennel '  rather than being knocked on the head and tossed in the pit.

Does the man not take any notice of the state of his charges?  Regardless of the large numbers of animals, you'd have to be blind not to see.  And what about the staff?

[diesel]

Enough is finally enough. No more animal cruelty!!

[Chief Stipe]

13 minutes ago, diesel said:

Enough is finally enough. No more animal cruelty!!

So you are anti racing?

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, Freda said:

It does make one wonder why dogs in such poor shape would be 'dropped off at a re-homing kennel '  rather than being knocked on the head and tossed in the pit.

Does the man not take any notice of the state of his charges?  Regardless of the large numbers of animals, you'd have to be blind not to see.  And what about the staff?

Just one obvious observation that is odd about this story.

Timing is another one.

So the antagonists sit on this stuff for how long?  Surely they should have complained after one dog?

Is the story timed to coincide with a review milestone?

[Greyhounder]

13 hours ago, Peanut said:

Lead item on the six o clock news.  More Abuse of Greyhounds by a leading trainer and another pathetic appearance by the disgraced former TAB chairperson Glenda Hughes.   Time for this horrid  sport to go. Time for Glenda the badwitch to jump on her broom and get the hell out of dodge.  AT very least get this awful excuse for a sport off the same TRackside channel as TB racing. 

Very apt Account name - Peanut. about the size of your brain. Don't like McInerney never have. But I am not stupid enough to believe the crap they have on the news these days..If that was true about Sozins Comet I would be horrified he was a wonderful race dog and a pretty good sire as well. DO NOT tar everyone with the same brush. There are only the very few who would treat the dogs that way and they are usually  the big kennels. They need to have their breeding regimes reined in now. If you think the TB industry is squeaky clean think again. I would rather be a racing greyhound and end up in a couch somewhere than a Thoroughbred horse that ends up in a tin. 

[Freda]

22 minutes ago, Greyhounder said:

 I would rather be a racing greyhound and end up in a couch somewhere than a Thoroughbred horse that ends up in a tin. 

...or Orana Park.. good point. 

Mine hogs the couch all day.

Racing comes on trackside,  complete with barking/ yelping....the old chap doesn't even flick an ear.  No acknowledgement that it ever had anything to do with him!

[Chief Stipe]

21 minutes ago, Greyhounder said:

.If that was true about Sozins Comet I would be horrified he was a wonderful race dog and a pretty good sire as well.

Last Race Dates:

Sozins Comet last raced in March 2015.

Impressive Chase - Nov 2021.

Mattie Blueblood - July 2017

Lonely Baxter - June 2019

Most of these were bred from.  

[Chief Stipe]

1 minute ago, Freda said:

...or Orana Park.. good point. 

Mine hogs the couch all day.

 

The way things are going you will have to find a paddock for your retired horses to hog all day.  Unfortunately the industry has bought into "every animal needs to be rehomed" which is just politically driven by the woke green left.

I wonder where all the "retired" dairy cows go?

[Freda]

30 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

The way things are going you will have to find a paddock for your retired horses to hog all day.  Unfortunately the industry has bought into "every animal needs to be rehomed" which is just politically driven by the woke green left.

I wonder where all the "retired" dairy cows go?

Don't be silly.

Not every horse - or dog - can be suitably rehomed;  some end up worse off than before.

But euthanasia, the only suitable choice for many, MUST be done humanely.  

Standing an injured horse on a truck to 'the doggers' is not acceptable, nor is the wait, sometimes for weeks, with little to eat and no shelter, for the outcome.

[Chief Stipe]

7 minutes ago, Freda said:

Not every horse - or dog - can be suitably rehomed;  some end up worse off than before.

But there is no grey with those pushing the re-homing agenda.  They are all or nothing.  In reality it is an emotional political tactic aimed at ending racing.

10 minutes ago, Freda said:

But euthanasia, the only suitable choice for many, MUST be done humanely.  

Standing an injured horse on a truck to 'the doggers' is not acceptable, nor is the wait, sometimes for weeks, with little to eat and no shelter, for the outcome.

Extreme cases that are being used to further the agenda of stopping racing.  Perhaps the Industry should fund free disposal of post racing stock.

In the case of these dogs - why did the organisation accepting the dogs not make an issue of it at the time?  Why not address the alleged issues as soon as they were identified?

I suggest the reason they didn't is because they wanted to build up a quantum of "evidence" as one individual case has very little weight.  Find a sympathetic journalist (Morrah) and then ramp up the noise to time with a political review or milestone.

[flyonthewall]

1 hour ago, Greyhounder said:

Very apt Account name - Peanut. about the size of your brain. Don't like McInerney never have. But I am not stupid enough to believe the crap they have on the news these days..If that was true about Sozins Comet I would be horrified he was a wonderful race dog and a pretty good sire as well. DO NOT tar everyone with the same brush. There are only the very few who would treat the dogs that way and they are usually  the big kennels. They need to have their breeding regimes reined in now. If you think the TB industry is squeaky clean think again. I would rather be a racing greyhound and end up in a couch somewhere than a Thoroughbred horse that ends up in a tin. 

Sozins comet was in bad condition, as stated. It is true. A dog like him (or any dog for that matter), should have had straws taken and then rehomed. Didn't deserve to sit in a paddock for all those years. He produced good and successful offspring unlike John did. Maybe John should have retired a long time ago too lol. 

[Chief Stipe]

22 minutes ago, flyonthewall said:

Didn't deserve to sit in a paddock for all those years

Are you saying he wasn't kennelled?

[flyonthewall]

17 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Are you saying he wasn't kennelled?

From what I've heard. 

Edited May 4, 2022 by flyonthewall

[aquaman]

Dog farming was always going to end in tears. Instead we have an NZGRA and their corrupt bover boys funded from pokies, the RIB, turn a blind eye to the concept that mass production of dogs by one or two people was good. This in my view has given ammunition to the woke left that will not or never be satisfied until all animal sports are completely eradicated.

[BitofaLegend]

43 minutes ago, aquaman said:

Dog farming was always going to end in tears. Instead we have an NZGRA and their corrupt bover boys funded from pokies, the RIB, turn a blind eye to the concept that mass production of dogs by one or two people was good. This in my view has given ammunition to the woke left that will not or never be satisfied until all animal sports are completely eradicated.

Exactly. And thats how McInerney refers to himself. A dog farmer.

 

Anyone who has had any business with him wouldnt be surprised from these allegations.

 

The real crime is grnz havent put their asses into gear and done something about this. 

 

 

[flyonthewall]

4 minutes ago, BitofaLegend said:

Exactly. And thats how McInerney refers to himself. A dog farmer.

 

Anyone who has had any business with him wouldnt be surprised from these allegations.

 

The real crime is grnz havent put their asses into gear and done something about this. 

 

GRNZ probably will it do anything about this either. If it was a smaller trainer they would be gone

[Mark D]

18 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

Racing regulator inquires into condition of dogs owned by John McInerney, NZ's most prolific greyhound trainer

• EXCLUSIVE
• 17 minutes ago
•  

Michael Morrah

 

Warning: This story contains images and descriptions that may upset some viewers.

Newshub has obtained multiple photos and descriptions of injured greyhounds linked to the South Island's most successful trainer, John McInerney.

An independent vet says the images warrant investigation, while animal rights group SAFE described the condition of the dogs as disgraceful.

McInerney oversees the largest number of racing dogs in the country.

Newshub can reveal he was recently charged by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) for racing another dog when it had an open wound - its tail bone.

In the photos supplied to Newshub, another dog, Homebush Bayern, is seen with a large, partially-healed wound on his right shoulder, and a fresh wound on the back consistent with bite marks from another dog.

Homebush Ramona had an infected dislocated toe that had to be amputated.

Other dogs had sores on their legs. Photos of them were taken shortly after the former racing dogs were dropped off at a rehoming kennel.

All were trained by John McInerney, although he denied that eight of his 11 dogs were in a poor condition when they arrived.

"That's not true," he said.

But Will Appelbe, SAFE investigations and rapid response manager, said the images are "seriously concerning".

"This is one of the biggest trainers in the country, he races about 200 dogs a year. Eleven dogs went to this kennel and eight of them have serious issues - that's a huge red flag."

Newshub has been leaked notes about the dogs' conditions.

Impressive Chase was 75 percent blind in one eye, "terrified of humans" and "aggressive"; Mattie Blueblood and Lonely Baxter had wounds that needed stitches; and Sozin's Comet was 6kg underweight and had severe worms.

Helen Beattie, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa managing director, said it warrants further investigation.

"We need more information, but certainly from the numbers coming through, the injuries seen, there absolutely needs to be further scrutiny of what's going on here."

Beattie was formerly New Zealand's chief veterinary officer and now runs an independent, science-led animal welfare company.

Her biggest concern is the marks seen on some of the dogs, which she believes are pressure sores.

"That speaks to a much more chronic, long-term husbandry issue where these animals are lying on hard surfaces for long periods of time that are causing those pressure sores," she said.

"We should be concerned about that - that's not acceptable."

Welfare rules state:

Bedding must be provided at all times and the bed must be raised off the ground.

Greyhounds are to be protected from injury by other greyhounds

Immediate veterinary care must be provided for sick or injured greyhounds

John McInerney has made over $1 million so far this season and has 191 racing dogs - the largest number of any trainer in the country.

Newshub understands the injured dogs came from a property in Darfield, and that several dogs had advanced issues with worms.

Beattie said the higher the population density in an area, the harder parasites become to control.

McInerney has been charged by the RIB for failing to provide proper care for another dog, Homebush Hero, by not checking it for injury prior to racing.

Evidence at his hearing showed the greyhound's tail bone was exposed in what was described as in a "horrible state" and a days-old infection.

McInerney denied it was that bad prior to the race, saying it could have been injured in the starting box.

Newshub asked him about the photos, showing other dogs in poor condition.

"There's a picture of Homebush Bayern. How did he get those injuries?" he was asked.

"It was a dog fight," McInerney responded.

He said the injuries were "completely healed" when dropped off, although it's evident from photos the dog also had a fresh wound on its back.

"What about Ramona that had to have two toes amputated on arrival at the kennels?" Newshub asked.

"News to me," he said.

When shown that photo, he denied the injury happened at his property, saying: "It didn't come from our place like that."

Asked if he believes he's neglected his responsibilities as a greyhound trainer, McInerney said no: "That dog was not like that when it left our kennels."

But in Beattie's opinion, it's not a new injury.

"So there's a dislocated toe as well as an open wound, and the open wound would not have happened in a mere number of hours. That's a more long-standing injury," she said.

Newshub understands multiple dogs needed "immediate" vet care after being dropped off.

"It's completely shameful, It's disgraceful," said Appelbe.

"I feel for the dogs that have had to go through that kind of pain, because I think they're clear examples of neglect."

It's alleged neglect the RIB is now looking into.

RIB chief executive Mike Clement told Newshub concerns have been raised with them in relation to the photos, and the regulator is making inquiries. 

"We are conducting inquiries to determine whether or not there's an allegation to be investigated," he told Newshub.

Clement said it takes such reports seriously and he would not rule out asking the SPCA to assist with its investigations. 

"We reserve the right to do that." 

The CEO of Greyhound Racing New Zealand refused to answer specific questions about the issue, saying it was being overseen by the RIB. 

"All matters of concern of the nature you have raised are referred to the independent Racing Integrity Board for their consideration and/or investigation," she said.

John McInerney did not respond to further questions from Newshub.

Obviously no drugs involved otherwise Grim and the boys would be all over it like CIS Taihape