Trainer banned for three years over horse slaughter

A NSW racehorse trainer has been banned for three years after two retired thoroughbreds he thought he was re-homing for equine purposes were slaughtered by a third party.

Wagga Wagga-based Trevor Sutherland was handed the penalty at a stewards inquiry on Tuesday.

Sutherland has already lodged an appeal against the decision.

Sutherland last month had his licence suspended by Racing NSW for an alleged breach of animal welfare rules despite the leading southern districts trainer claiming he "unknowingly and unintentionally" sent the horses to another person where they were euthanised.

Racehorse trainers are required to provide notification of where retired thoroughbreds are sent after their racetrack days are finished.

The regulator has conducted hundreds of visits to check on ex-racehorses as part of its animal welfare policy.

More to come