A GREYHOUND trainer whose dogs were found in an emaciated condition has been banned from the sport.

Thirteen greyhounds were said to be severely underweight and in a poor condition following an inspection of Malcolm Taylor’s kennels in February this year.

The poor conditions at the kennels, at Field House Farm, Dalton Piercy, Hartlepool, and resulting welfare issues led to an inquiry by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and disciplinary hearing.

A report by investigators found an overwhelming obnoxious smell as a result of poor ventilation and drainage from the main kennel block, while greyhounds were also being kept in unlicensed dilapidated kennels which had not been cleaned for a substantial period.

Mr Taylor said the dogs in the unlicensed kennels – which were in fact former pig pens – were all retired, but one was discovered to have raced at Sunderland Stadium the previous day.

In total there were 58 greyhounds being kept on the premises, although Mr Taylor’s GBGB licence only allowed for 45.

His licence was immediately suspended and subsequently handed back by the trainer.

Records kept by Mr Taylor contained discrepancies, while he also had unauthorised worming tablets in his possession.

All of the greyhounds previously kept at Field House Farm had now been rehoused, GB officials said.

A disciplinary committee concluded that Mr Taylor had committed eight breaches of GBGB rules. These included failing to protect the greyhounds from disease and not housing them in a suitable environment, acting in a manner likely to cause suffering and failing to comply with improvement notices.

Mr Taylor claimed he was the victim of a “vendetta”, but the disciplinary committee rejected this in the light of “overwhelming evidence” about the unacceptable condition of his kennels.

The 58-year-old did not attend the hearing and was unrepresented.

A spokesman said: “The welfare of greyhounds is the GBGB’s absolute priority. This means Mr Taylor is not allowed to train greyhounds or enter licensed greyhound premises and is banned from the sport indefinitely.”

Greyhound welfare groups had raised concerns about Mr Taylor’s animals, while the RSPCA also investigated the circumstances in which they were found.