Greyhounds – Stewards Inquiry – Mrs Michelle Beamish
22 March, 2017
Greyhound
RWWA Greyhound Stewards have today concluded an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the retirement and subsequent euthanasia of the greyhound VISERION.
At a previous hearing conducted on Thursday 16 March 2017, evidence was taken from Senior Stipendiary Steward Mr Graham O’Dea, Public Trainer and Breeder Mrs Michelle Beamish, VISERION’S sole owner Ms Jessica Row and unregistered person Ms Alana Jones. Ms Beamish was assisted at the inquiry by WAGBOTA President Mr Tim Mullany.
After hearing the evidence, the Stewards issued a charge to Mrs Beamish under Rule 86 (o) with the particulars being that; On 25 November 2016, Mrs Michelle Beamish, being a registered person with RWWA, did surrender the greyhound VISERION to the Murdoch Veterinary Hospital which directly resulted in VISERION being euthanased, without first obtaining the consent of VISERION’s sole owner Ms Jessica Row and in so doing, she had omitted to do a thing, in relation to a greyhound, which in the opinion of the Stewards was improper.
Mrs Beamish pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing submissions on the question of penalty, the inquiry was adjourned to determine the matter. Given the seriousness of the matter, in accordance with GAR 92 (5), all of Mrs Beamish’s licenses with RWWA were suspended pending the outcome of this inquiry.
By letter dated 22 March 2017, Mrs Beamish was advised of the Stewards decision that the penalty imposed was a disqualification of (3) three years for the offence. As Mrs Beamish was suspended under Rule 92 (5) since the inquiry was held on 16 March 2017, the disqualification was back-dated to commence as of this date and will now expire on 15 March 2020. In determining the penalty, Stewards took into account the following;
- Mrs Beamish personal circumstances.
- That this was Mrs Beamish’s first such specific offence of this nature.
- The nature and circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence.
- That VISERION was professionally and humanely euthanased.
- Mrs Beamish lack of remorse or regret for the incident
- The adverse impact and emotional toll this has had on the owner, Ms Row.
- Deterrent, both specific and general.
Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph. 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au