Owners fined after cocaine traces found in two dogs

OWNERS are administering cocaine and illegal amphetamines to their greyhounds in an attempt to win races at tracks throughout the country, it emerged yesterday.

The first report of a new independent doping watchdog has uncovered the use of the banned class A drugs, as well as prescription medicines in the sport.

Two owners were hit with fines and cautions after their dogs tested positive for cocaine traces at races in Dundalk and Lifford, Co Donegal.

David Wilson, of Gransha Drive in Belfast, was handed a €1000 penalty (£690) and “severe caution” after his dog Tullyglen Hubba was found with traces of Benzoylecgonine at a race in Dundalk in April.

The prohibited substance is a major metabolite of cocaine – a by-product of the drug developed in the liver of users.

Stephen Ryan of Clover Dale Crescent in Lisburn was fined €2000 and given a “severe caution” after two of his greyhounds, She’s A Promise and He’s A Buck, tested positive for the same substance in February and March.

Brendan Cullen, of Cookstown Road in Dungannon, was fined €1000 and given a “severe caution” when his dog Big Kiowa tested positive for amphetamine in May.

George Dickson, of Blacks Road in Belfast, was handed down the same penalties and had to forfeit prize money after his dog Northside Honcho was found to have been given amphetamine in July.

In all eight owners were fined.