Disgraced greyhound trainer and his two sons are hit with life bans and huge fines for live baiting

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One of Australia's most decorated greyhound trainers has been handed a lifetime ban from the sport for live baiting offences.

Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) announced on Monday that Troy Murray and his sons Connor and Jackson would be banned from the sport effective immediately and fined a combined $180,000.

Following a nine-month investigation, Murray was fined $80,000 for four charges, while Connor and Jackson were fined $60,000 and $40,000 for three and two charges respectively. 

The trio have also been told to pay a $20,000 fine for each offence. The bans will prevent them from participating in greyhound racing in any jurisdiction 

Murray's property in Lewiston - approximately 60kilometres from Adelaide's CBD - was raided in August last year after GRSA and the RSPCA were alerted to live baiting by an anonymous source.

Troy Murray has been handed a lifetime ban from greyhound racing for live baiting

Murray (second left) was also fined $40,000 for four charges, while his sons Connor and Jackson were also banned for life form the sport 

According to News Corp, Murray and his two sons were immediately suspended after the operation and their training premises were deregistered. 

As part of the probe, GRSA obtained covert footage of live baiting and its application to the Supreme Court to use the vision under the Surveillance Devices Act was successful. 

GRSA CEO Bodelle Francis condemned the 'abhorrent practice' and said the authorities remained committed to stamp it out from the sport.

'From first receiving the anonymous tip off about allegations of live baiting to advising the RSPCA and jointly raiding the premises took less than 24 hours, which is testament to the professionalism of our Integrity Department,' Francis said.

'This matter has challenged our industry, but I am extremely proud of how our team has prosecuted this issue and how the greyhound community has been united in its condemnation of this abhorrent practice.'

GRSA chairman Grantley Stevens struck a similar tone, noting the punishments handed out reflected the industry's commitment to eradicate the issue.

'We welcome the decision handed down by the independent Integrity Hearings Panel and the penalties it has applied,' Stevens said.

'This is the first case of live baiting ever confirmed in South Australia and this outcome should send the strongest possible message about just how seriously we take the integrity of our sport.'

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