Here is a truly horrific story published by The Vancouver Sun about 100+ sled dogs that were brutally murdered (shot and throats slit by an inept and incompetent employee that believed he was "euthanizing" the dogs) last year by an employee of Howling Dog Tours of Whistler (British Columbia, Canada), owned partly by Outdoor Adventures.
It appears that the dogs were massacred because business was poor, and the dogs were deemed unadoptable because they are bred and raised for sport and recreation (and not as pets). Such similarities to racing greyhounds' plight.
Unfortunately, I don't know whom to contact to demand an investigation into and revision of rules and policies in the sled dog industry. If you do, please leave a comment here -- it would be much appreciated.
Hi Star and Quasar. This story has been on the news several times. Last night they said that the Canadian Govt. is now Aware and is working HARD to prevent such a thing from ever happening again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a SHAME that it happened.
Yes, Frankie, it is a shame. I didn't hear about this story until my husband told me about it late last night. Just so very horrible and tragic.
ReplyDeleteI was sickened when I read this on Tuesday. My understanding is that this massacre only came to light when the guy tried to collect Workman's Compensation because he claims he cannot work due to trauma caused by having killed the dogs. Well, you know what? You had a choice, buddy, and you chose to kill. You don't deserve to collect benefits on the blood of animals you terrorized and killed. There is a long investigation ahead and I don't believe he will be able to collect a dime until it's done. The deaths of these dogs will not be in vain, though. I think this tragedy has brought to the public's attention just how cruel "business" can be for some animals and perhaps more stringent measures will be put in place to ensure it doesn't happen again.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll calm down now. :-)
Yikes, Wolfie! I completely agree with you; the guy certainly had a choice about his methods. And his judgement was severely lacking.
ReplyDeleteHi Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI live in B.C. Canada and I'm wondering if you would be willing to sign this petition. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/306/justice-for-100-murdered-sled-dogs/
and if you are on FB would you mind joining http://www.facebook.com/pages/RIP-Sled-Dogs-Slaughtered-in-Whistler-BC/175686239141895
a friend of mine started it.
Thank you. :-)
A pity to read. that is NOT the way that the pioneers in the use of sledge dogs in the Arctic treated their dogs.
ReplyDeletePS Thank you for the nice comment - all is well :-)