The GBGB has confirmed, according to an article published in the Racing Post by Jonathan Kay, that an investigation is ongoing into the circumstances in which the leading sprinter Gougane Jet has been advertised as standing for stud in China.
In the article, Kay quotes a spokesperson for the GBGB who has reportedly stated that “an open investigation remains under way in this matter.”
Greyhound Weekly understands that the focus of the investigation will be on whether Rule 18 has been breached. The rule states that “For any greyhound retiring from the sport, the burden remains on the greyhound’s last owner to make acceptable arrangements for the greyhound’s retirement.”
The announcement has been made in response to a statement made by MWD Partnership earlier this week, in which it was acknowledged that Gougane Jet is very likely to be in China.
“Following the recent advertising of Gougane Jet (Reggie) for stud in China, it seems very likely that Reggie is there. All of us at the MWD Partnership[…]are saddened and very upset that he appears to have been exported despite all the efforts we made to prevent this happening.”
The statement made by MWD Partnership attempts to clarify the events leading up to the disappearance of ‘Reggie’ after he was sold by the owners to Liam O’Brien for £30,000 cash. MWD stated that they had raised their concerns with the owners about their lack of due diligence and the owners were “evasive” and “vague” about the identity of the buyer. Attempting to conduct their own due diligence, MWD “tried several times to contact this Liam O’Brien leaving messages and voicemails. No return messages or calls were received and no contact was ever made. We asked our own contacts in Ireland and no-one had ever heard of him.”
MWD claim that they wrote to the GBGB outlining their concerns. “We were specific in asking whether we had to let Reggie go out of the kennel when we were aware that proper due diligence hadn’t been satisfied. The GBGB responded to ask that we did not release the dog until they were satisfied that the export of this greyhound was to their satisfaction.”
The owners are reported to have turned down an offer of £20,000 made by MWD Partnership to keep ‘Reggie’ at the kennels. According to the statement, this was turned down and MWD were reminded by the owners “that they had authority to decide what happened to Reggie as they owned him” and that MWD “only had a contract to train and keep him.”
Despite MWD (allegedly) raising their concerns, the GBGB (allegedly) advised MWD to allow ‘Reggie’ to leave citing a lack of evidence that he was going anywhere other than Ireland and “that they would work with the GRI to get him tracked once he arrived at Keith Powell’s kennels in Ireland.”
“Owners, Eammon, Steve and Pete have maintained their position that they sold Reggie in good faith and since the arrival in Ireland haven’t heard anything from Liam O’Brien.”
Unsurprisingly, the greyhound racing community has reacted angrily to the sale and exportation of ‘Reggie’ to China, on social media.
Kevin Perisi spoke of his shame to be called a greyhound owner in his message to RPGTV when it first became apparent that ‘Reggie’ had been exported.
“I feel ashamed to be involved in this sport. It’s not the first time. Whoever sold this dog is in my opinion not worthy to ever own another dog again. This is another nail in the coffin of our once great sport. I feel ashamed to be called a greyhound owner.”
X / Twitter
Despite the ongoing investigation, the former owners of Gougane Jet are still being allowed to race, according to sources.
MWD also stated, “We believe that the owners could and should have done more to protect the integrity of greyhound racing by completing proper due diligence on the buyer and considering the welfare of Reggie above any quick profit. We have documented all aspects of the circumstances surrounding this sorry episode and will co-operate with any inquiry that the GBGB or GRI hold to establish rule or welfare breaches.”
There have even been suggestions on social media that the owners should donate the proceeds from the sale of ‘Reggie’ to the greyhound trust in an attempt to salvage at least some of their reputation.
The incident calls into question the GBGB’s powers to intervene in these circumstances and whether Rule 18 is enough of a deterrent for those who own greyhounds currently who might be tempted by the money on offer to facilitate the export of greyhounds to countries with poor animal welfare records.
The statement made by the GBGB suggests that a firm stance will be taken. “Should the evidence gathered suggest that the necessary checks have not taken place, we will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”
For some, this is too little and too late.
