Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) today announced the outcome of the hearing into the charges laid against participants Michael Eberand, Bradley Eberand, James Cortis and Peter Lagogiane as part of its ongoing Inquiry into the unauthorised export of greyhounds.

Michael Eberand has been found guilty of one charge under Rule 86(n), that he knowingly aided, abetted, counselled or procured Stephen Farrugia to commit a breach of Rule 124(1) by the export of registered greyhound Wandering Mija without a greyhound passport and certified pedigree issued by Greyhounds Australasia, and of one charge under Rule 86(o) by doing a thing that is negligent, improper of constitutes misconduct in facilitating the export of Wandering Mija to Dubai.  The Steward will take submissions from Michael Eberand as to penalty, and make a determination in this regard in due course.

Bradley Eberand has been found not guilty of one charge under Rule 86(o). 

James Cortis has been found not guilty of one charge under Rule 86(o).

Peter Lagogiane pleaded guilty to, and has been found guilty of one charge under Rule 86(o), by doing a thing that is negligent, improper or constitutes misconduct in facilitating the export of Wandering Mija to Dubai.  The Steward heard Peter Lagogiane's submissions as to penalty in a penalty hearing and has imposed a fine of $1000.  Given the timing of Peter Lagogiane's plea (made at the hearing), the Steward did not apply a full 25% discount to reflect the guilty plea, however the Steward indicated that he would have imposed a fine of $1250 if not for the guilty plea.

A copy of the decision can be found here.

The Exports Inquiry is ongoing.

GRNSW encourages anyone who may have information about the unauthorised exportation of greyhounds to contact the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Hotline on 1800 600 174 or www.greyhoundwelfare.com.au to ensure the matter can be fully investigated.