A greyhound trainer could face tougher penalties after one of her dogs tested positive to methamphetamine after winning at Addington Raceway in Christchurch. Turnwald pleaded guilty to failing to produce Zipping Sarah free of a prohibited substance for the race and was also fined $3500. The RIU initially called for a disqualification of 14 months, but yesterday it sought a minimum racing ban of two years. “If penalties aren't high enough the public can lose trust in the industry, lose trust in our animal welfare conduct and therefore lead to loss in revenue,” said RIU counsel Emma Smith. Turnwald’s lawyer, Murray Branch, argued it “makes no sense” for the RIU to change its stance without any new evidence.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 26, 2021 21:56 UTC