DETECTIVES linked with Orana Local Area Command have shifted the focus of their investigation into false claims of a mass greyhound grave near Dubbo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last Thursday, officers attended the property of Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club president Shayne Stiff and his partner, leading trainer Charmaine Roberts.
After conducting a thorough review of the property, as well as checking vet records in relation to the euthanasia of some of their dogs, officers were left satisfied of no wrongdoing.
The tip-off came from the office of Dubbo MP and deputy premier Troy Grant, who has been a target of the greyhound industry in the wake of the decision to ban the sport from July 1, 2017.
Letters had been sent to Mr Grant’s office and then forwarded to police.
“On a number of occasions between early July and early August, my electorate office received anonymous documents alleging illegal activity,” Mr Grant said.
“As required, my office passed this information promptly to police and my staff were interviewed by police after the first document was received.
“I have not made this public as it was solely a matter for authorities to investigate and determine the veracity of the allegation.”
Orana Local Area Command investigations manager Detective Sergeant Mark Meredith confirmed officers had left the premises happy and content, but also said the original documentation didn’t come directly from Mr Grant or his office.
“We’ve heard the talk of where the information was believed to have came from but that isn’t true,” Det Sgt Meredith said.
“We’re trying to find out where the documents came from that sparked this and who sent them to Mr Grant’s office, and that investigation is continuing.
Mr Stiff said the investigation came as a shock but added he and Ms Roberts were happy to assist.
“I wasn’t home at the time but Charmaine let the detectives onto the property, they checked everything and left again,” he said.
“We’ve got nothing to worry about because we have nothing to hide. Certainly we have humanely put dogs down in the past but we’ve done it through our vet and only if the dog’s quality of life is gone through age or illness.
“It wouldn’t matter if it was a kelpie or a greyhound. We dig graves for the dogs and have plaques and trees where we bury them.”
