Montag Bale is the most recent “vulnerable” female greyhound to perish during another violent racecourse incident.
She was competing in just her second race. She had collided with Mepunga Mantra, fell to the ground and was crushed by Yield on September 30, 2021, at Melbourne’s The Meadows.
Montag Bale had a fractured foreleg and was put to death by the on-track vet.
Mepunga Mantra weighed 33.5 kilogrammes, Yield 36.2 kilogrammes, and Montag Bale 26.8 kg. Yield, therefore, weighed more than a third more than Montag Bale.
The racing industry is aware of the risks faced by lighter greyhounds.
The new “J-curve” track at Traralgon VIC is an untried design where dogs will run for 300m straight and then turn in a tight circle for 200m.
According to racing journalist Peter Davis, “little bitches, you’d assume, will be vulnerable. Strong dogs will be necessary for what looks to be a difficult circuit.”
Let’s recall several further instances where female greyhounds suffered in a crowded race against more robust canines.
Paper Kite passed away on September 24 in Newcastle. She collided with three other dogs, one of which weighed more than six kilogrammes, despite being the lightest dog in her race.
The lightest greyhound, Bingo Balls, fell and died during her race in Newcastle on September 25.
A collision at the conclusion of the Newcastle race resulted in the concussion of two-year-old white and red fawn Fire On Ice. She only weighed 23.9 kilos, about 12 kilos less than the race’s heaviest dog. Six of the eight canines were over 30 kg in weight.
About CPG
CPG reports greyhound track fatalities and injuries in print, radio, and television. We want to hold the business and state governments accountable for not doing enough to save greyhounds from needless suffering and demise.