The NSW greyhound industry's governing body has charged four racing participants, including a board member, for their alleged role in the unauthorised export of a greyhound.
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Greyhound Racing NSW on Friday said it charged board member Michael Eberand with aiding or abetting and facilitating the export of registered greyhound Wandering Mija to Dubai, without a greyhound passport.
Peter Lagogiane, James Cortis and Bradley Eberand were also charged with facilitating the export of the same greyhound without a greyhound passport.
The charges are part of Greyhound Racing NSW's ongoing inquiry into the unauthorised exports of greyhounds to areas not fully compliant with Australian animal welfare standards such as China, Macau and Dubai.
Wandering Mija was the subject of previous charges against industry participants Stephen, Mark and Donna Farrugia in November 2016 after it was discovered the greyhound had been exported to China or Macau, Greyhound Racing NSW said in a statement on Friday.
New evidence, which found Wandering Mija was allegedly exported by the trio to Dubai, led the racing body to make the latest charges.
Greyhound Racing NSW said Mr Eberand joined the board in July last year but didn't disclose any conflict in relation to the inquiry, his alleged involvement with the greyhound or the Farrugia family.
The four men will have an opportunity to respond to the charges at a hearing later this month.
NSW Racing Minister Paul Toole says Mr Eberand has until May 9 to respond to the "serious misconduct allegations" before deciding whether he should be removed from his board position.
"The NSW government is strongly committed to ensuring the greyhound industry operates with the highest possible ethical standards and animal welfare controls," Mr Toole said in a statement on Friday.
"To meet these standards and ensure public confidence, people in senior leadership positions in the industry need to act with the utmost integrity."
Mr Toole said the government was committed to taking "strong and swift" action if Mr Eberand was found guilty by Greyhound Racing NSW.
Australian Associated Press