Australian Greyhound Trainer Charged in Cruelty Case Once ‘Sexually Stimulated’ Dog
Posted on: July 28, 2023, 10:22h.
Last updated on: July 28, 2023, 12:13h.
The Australian greyhound trainer whose kennel is at the center of an animal cruelty investigation was once caught on camera allegedly “stimulating” a dog before a race.
In 2016, Tony Rasmussen was seen in Sky Racing footage handling a dog named Crisis Bale “in the vicinity of its genital region,” according to a subsequent inquiry by Racing South Australia (SA).
Some commentators at the time suggested the action was designed to make the dog run slower. Sure enough, Crisis Bale underperformed in the race at Angle Park.
Slap on the Wrist
Rasmussen pleaded not guilty to misconduct charges in connection with the incident. Racing SA stewards “deemed his actions to be improper” and found him guilty of violating Greyhound Racing Rule 86(o), which states:
?An offence is committed if a person (including an official) … has, in relation to a greyhound or greyhound racing, done something, or omitted to do something, which, in the opinion of a Controlling Body or the Stewards: (i) is corrupt, fraudulent, or dishonest; (ii) constitutes misconduct or is negligent or improper…
Rasmussen was fined $1000, with $250 suspended for a period of two years on the condition he did not reoffend. The police weren’t involved because they considered it a matter that was being dealt with internally by Racing SA.
Shocking Footage
Rasmussen was described by Racenet.com this week as “South Australia’s premier trainer.” His star dog, Victa Damian, has won 14 of its 24 appearances this year.
Shocking drone footage emerged this week taken from above Rasmussen’s kennel compound near Adelaide.
Purportedly filmed by a whistleblower and passed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), it showed an unidentified man repeatedly kicking and punching dogs, including puppies, as well as dragging them by their hind legs.
The footage was filmed over a 17-day period in June and early July this year, according to ABC.
New Charges Filed
On Friday morning Racing SA announced it had charged Rasmussen and his wife, Lisa Rasmussen, with a dozen racing offenses in relation to the footage.
After viewing the video, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas announced this week there would be an independent inquiry into the industry. In a statement to Casino.org Thursday, Carey Thiel, executive director of Grey2K USA Worldwide, questioned why Rasmussen was still working in the industry at all.
This is not the first time Tony Rasmussen has been implicated in the abuse of greyhounds. In fact, he was found guilty in 2017 of sexually abusing a greyhound before a race. He was given a $1,000 fine for that repulsive act, which was a slap on the wrist,” Thiel said.
“If?South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is serious about getting to the bottom of this case, he should start by finding out why Greyhound Racing SA allowed a known greyhound abuser to continue to work in the racing industry for years after he was caught,” Thiel added.
Related News Articles
VIDEO: Women Brawl at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas
Corey Levitan
— July 11, 2023
Las Vegas Rogue Cop Gets 12 Years for Armed Casino Heists
Philip Conneller
— October 17, 2023
Most Popular
Most Commented
Most Read
LOST VEGAS: First Documented ‘Trick Roll’ by a Prostitute
Corey Levitan
— September 9, 2024
Last Comments ( 13 )
This is a crime!! Those poor dogs are at the mercy of those monsters. And still he can keep those poor dogs! What kind of justice is that?? If there are animal welfare laws in Australia then this should be reported to the police and not being dealt internally. Those people must be heavily punished !
Whenever non human animals are exploited for profit, they always suffer. So true of racing greyhounds. I was involved in greyhound rescue in Colorado, USA, for 27 years and have seen firsthand the neglect, untreated injuries, substandard kennels and total disregard for greyhound health due to close breeding (think pannus, bone cancer and retinal atrophy). Greyhound racing needs to end worldwide and Down Under is the worst offender at this time.
Oh Cal I hope you do because our justice system is pathetic
Hope I run into Tony and co one day :)
This individual does not reflect the sport. I'm not from the sport but I know a little on how it works, these people are not the owners of the dogs, the owners of the dogs are even more disgusted than we are because they are their pets that have been abused. We don't ban gymnastics when we hear of disgusting acts from coaches there, we point the blame at the coach and check the sport. The same should be done here, but spare a second for the owners who found out someone they trusted to look after their animals was indeed abusing them.
They shouldn't be allowed to so much own a budgie! All of their winnings should be donated to animal rehabilitation centres. Our laws are pathetic! A slap on the wrist and a fine that would be nothing compared to their winnings. They should have to spend their days cleaning out animal enclosures. Jail would be too good for them!
I am trying desperately to choose my words carefully because the emotion of these crimes is unbearable. I would like to know why the RSPCA has not acted as yet?
These people are absolute FILTH, they should not ever be allowed near greyhounds again. EVER. Filthy disgusting people.
Let’s not forget the daughter was involved as well . She is an adult and should also face criminal charges
What a pair of c***ts Jail time for both of them and bankruptcy
There are no words to even describe the type of person who could hurt a defenceless animal in any way. I hope they loose everything, and never even look at an animal again. If there is any punishment by law then these people deserve every charge there is and use use as an example. They need the maximum punishment there is ,because if we don't make a stand now people like this will continue this disgusting behaviours. They should be jailed. Even though I don't agree with the racing industry, I'm sure there are some good people who love and care for their animals, and they are the ones who can also make a stand on the way these people are treating these poor animals. Because people are starting to get fed up with the inhumane ways of the racing industry and it won't be long for all to be banned and shut down. God bless to the person who took this footage and brought it to air. GREAT JOB
This is so disturbing!!!! He needs to be charged and never allowed to be animals again. We need to start making these monsters accountable!!! This is a disgusting sport.
What a disgrace. This sport should be banned NOW... Such cruel people..