Tragic Story About Sled Dogs...

[Camilla and Darwin]

This isn't about doodles, but about sled dogs from Whistler. One of the blogs I read regularly linked to this story and it just horrified. me. It's from the Vancouver Sun and it's not for the faint of heart... it's fairly graphic. Apparently the "Outdoor Adventures" company that does a lot of tourism attractions for Whistler had 100 sled dogs cruelly killed in the name of "herd control".

 

This article is shocking and of course, extremely angering. It is so sad to realize how little some people value the lives of dogs, or animals in general. The man who did this claimed that he knew the dogs and had even named them, and now has PTSD because of what he did. He also says he did it reluctantly but agreed because his employer told him to. How can anyone make the choice to kill 100 healthy dogs? It is sickening.

 

Oh, and they promise in the future to only have their sled dog teams euthanized at a vets in the future. WHAT? Are sled dog teams really being euthanized simply for crowd control? They claimed that they tried to adopt some out but it wasn't very successful. How is this justification for what they did? This is horrifying. I hope that this article gets a lot of attention and they are able to nail this company and man for animal cruelty. 

 

Again, it's pretty graphic so proceed with caution.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/sled+dogs+slaughtered+Whistler+whe...

 

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Beyond horrendous. What an appropriate name for this company, " Howling Dogs".  These people obviously didn't want to invest in spay and neuter since they also killed unwanted puppies. They killed these dogs in front of one another reminding me of the Nazis. No wonder the dogs panicked. It also doesn't seem the dogs lives were at all pleasant beforehand. I think banning dogsled rides for tourists sounds like a fine idea. No one needs to take such a ride given the circumstances. Unfortunately, that solution may lead to more "culling the herd".

[Lorraine Bromley]

Banning dogsled rides to me is no answer at all. Those dogs LOVE to run. They LOVE to work. All dogs like to work. We call it play now as they are not needed for the purposes that they were bred for anymore. So we adapt our play time to encourage their natural tendancies. A hard working dog is a happy dog. A bored dog leads to a destructive dog. 

Sadly a day will never come that you can ban bad owners.

[Camilla and Darwin]

If you bad tourism type dog sledding perhaps less dogs would be bred in the first place though? Then those dogs that were purchased or bred for legitimate racing would get to do what they love, but companies wouldn't buy/breed massive amounts for tourists. Perhaps if you really wanted to experience dog sledding the tourism company could put you in contact with a private racer who does private lessons?

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

I read about this last night. It is horrendous. I live in Vancouver, its so close, and I know many people who would have done what they can to keep these dogs alive.

[Kyoko]

I have no words.... Why in the world they even had 300 dogs in first place?!  I am thinking about the mentality of the tourist, too.... There are only supplies because of the demand. Who in the world wants to get on the dog sled as a part of their vacation? Sick....... Back in a day, there were dog sled because there were no other ways to get around. Today, we have snow mobile!! Have fun without the expence of others!!! Same as puppy mills. If there are no demands, there will be no suppies!!!

[Lorraine Bromley]

This guy still works there too! And notice they were not even sled dogs to begin with. This doesn't seem like a legitimate opperation at all. We just had a demonstration of sled dogs, Alaskan Malamuts in our towns Winter fest. They were all cared for well and are a lifestyle and a hobby for their owners. They meet regularly to enjoy their sport. The lady that we went to for puppy school has huskies that she has been sledding with for years. She brought her dogs in ( a couple specifically) to help in the training of the puppies. Huskies like to talk. So there was alot of correction being done by the husky. The dogs certainly knew what she was saying I just thought she sounded cute talking to them. We went on a trip to Quebec with my son's ball team and we spent time on the Mountain horseback riding. They also had sled dogs. They were a specific cross bred for the sport. They had several nursery areas and dogs that were well taken care of and loved. 

My point is that in my relations with sled dog people not one of them would use random breeds that may not be built or suited for that type of activity. I was explained the intricacies of the halters they use and how it affects the dogs. Not one of these people would cull their kennel in my opinion.

The guy that killed these animals was supposedly given the task, apparently he decided how he was going to execute it. I can't see how he can claim PTSD when he chose to do the killing and how. If he truly was this affected how could he ever stand to be near the owners and other survivers knowing that these people thought nothing about doing it in the first place.

How, if the owners say that they had no idea that their employee was going to brutally murder their dogs could they possibly stand to keep him on as an employee? 

How after doing this to thier dogs are these people still allowed to be in business at all.

These dogs Should have been rescued immediately or during the interim of the legal system doing its work they could have placed the business into the hands of a temporary board to run it until decisions are made through the legal system. 

I am disgusted and hope that both the owners and employees are punished to the full extent of the law and possibly have new and stiffer laws brought onto the books.

[Carol and Banjo]

There must be a way to provide Dog Sledding to those who wish to enjoy this activity AND a way to keep these beautiful animals in a clean, healthy, happy, safe  environment.   Sounds like greed was the main concern.   I have no sympathy for the man who executed these dogs under orders.   We all have "free will".

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

UGH.   I had to stop.  After hearing of the Doodle or Poodle Mix Breeder sending  a 4 month old puppy by US Mail today and it was found nearly dead after it fell of the Postal Shelf...  No air holes, no water, no.......... enough.

[Camilla and Darwin]

OMG, who would do that? AWFUL.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You have got to be kidding but I know you are not. How can people be so cruel and/or stupid.

[Michael Gurley]

I read this on the PETA facebook page and it upset me so much. I just know that so many people would jump at the chance to adopt one of these amazing, trained, purebred dogs. It was unnecessary and cruel, and I hope the Canadian government prosecutes everyone involved to the full extent of the law.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Isn't this what happens regularly in kill shelters?