A Townsville woman has been convicted in the local Magistrates Court for the unlawful killing of two greyhounds, in a case that has cast a spotlight on animal welfare standards within the racing community.
Court Finds Trainer Guilty of Serious Offence
Rhonda Essery, a 58-year-old resident of Townsville, pleaded guilty to two charges of illegally euthanising animals. The offences took place on a property in Bohle Plains on October 5, 2022. The court heard that Essery, who was involved with greyhound racing, administered a lethal substance to two dogs named Zipping Riot and Awesome Project without following the legal and ethical protocols required for such an action.
Magistrate Steven Mosch presided over the case in the Townsville Magistrates Court. He emphasised that the manner in which the dogs were killed was not only unlawful but also fell far short of acceptable animal welfare practices. The prosecution detailed how the acts constituted a clear breach of the animal care standards expected of anyone in charge of animals, particularly those within a regulated industry.
Details of the Offence and Industry Reaction
The illegal euthanasia came to light following an investigation. Greyhound Racing Queensland (GRQ), the governing body for the sport in the state, provided crucial evidence to the authorities. In a statement, GRQ confirmed that Essery was no longer involved in any capacity with the greyhound racing industry. They stressed their commitment to upholding the highest standards of animal welfare and stated they had a zero-tolerance policy for such conduct.
GRQ's chief executive, Mr. Dean Shannon, reiterated that the organisation had fully cooperated with the government investigation. He pointed out that the industry has implemented robust systems for the retirement and rehoming of greyhounds, making unauthorised euthanasia completely unnecessary and unacceptable.
Sentencing and Lasting Consequences
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Mosch took into account Essery's early guilty plea. However, he balanced this against the seriousness of the offences against the animals. The final penalty handed down was a $4,000 fine, and Essery was ordered to pay $1,032.70 in professional costs. Notably, no conviction was recorded.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and ethical responsibilities held by those who care for animals. It underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by the greyhound racing industry regarding animal welfare and the serious consequences for individuals who fail to comply with the law. The outcome has been welcomed by animal welfare advocates as a necessary step in enforcing accountability.
