Sled Dog Cruelty Case Database

In honor of the Whistler sled dogs.

Howling Dog Tours – April 2010

Whistler, British Columbia – Canada

In April of 2010, fifty-six sled dogs were brutally slaughtered in Whistler, British Columbia. This act was carried out by a celebrated tour operator – then Vice President of Mush With PRIDE – Robert Fawcett. Mass culling in and of itself is not uncommon in the sled dog industry. The reason why this incident gained international attention is due to the fact that Fawcett filed for workman’s compensation for post traumatic stress disorder, which he claims that he “developed as a result of having to put down a large number of dogs” due to a slow winter tourist season. Excerpts from his report include:

“On April 21 and 23, 2010, he was tasked to cull the employer’s herd by approximately 100 dogs. The size of the cull meant that he had no choice but to euthanize the dogs in full view of other dogs slated to be euthanized. A veterinarian was contacted, but refused to euthanize healthy animals.”

“On April 21, 2010, he noticed that the dogs were getting hard to handle by about the 15th dog. It appeared to him that the dogs were experiencing anxiety and stress from observing the euthanasia of other members of the pack and were panicking. As a result of the panic, mid-way through April 21st, he wounded but did not kill one dog, Suzie… He had to chase Suzie through the yard because the horrific noise she made when wounded caused him to drop the leash. Although she had the left side of her cheek blown off and her eye hanging out, he was unable to catch her. He then obtained a gun with a scope and used it to shoot her when she settled down close to another group of dogs… After disposing of Suzie’s body, he noticed that another dog, Poker, was injured. He realized that when he shot Suzie, the bullet passed through and injured Poker. Poker was covered in blood from a neck wound and covered in his own feces. He believed that Poker suffered for approximately 15 minutes before he could be put down.”

“On April 21, 2010, he put down approximately 55 dogs. As he neared the end of the cull that day, the dogs were so panicked they were biting him; he had to wrap his arms in foam to avoid injury. He also had to perform what he described as ‘execution style’ killings where he wrestled the dogs to the ground and stood on them with one foot to shoot them. The last few kills were ‘multiple-shot’ killings as he was simply unable to get a clean shot. He described a guttural sound he had never heard before from the dogs and fear in their eyes.”

“The incidents on April 23, 2010, were worse than those on April 21, 2010. The fear and anxiety in the heard began almost immediately. Many of the killings were multiple-shot-execution-style and it took a great amount of time and wrestling to get the dogs in a position to be put down. The first significant incident on April 23, 2010 occurred when he noticed that a female, Nora, who he had shot approximately 20 minutes before, was crawling around in the mass grave he had dug for the animals. He had to climb down into the grave amidst the 10 or so bodies already there, and put her out of her misery. Shortly thereafter, he grazed an uncooperative male, taking off part of his head. The dog bolted and the worker realized he was out of ammunition. When he went to get more, he was attacked by the dog and had to kill the dog with his knife, slitting its throat while the dog was on top of him.”

“His memory of the final 15 dogs is fuzzy. Some he shot cleanly, others he had to chase. In some cases, it was simply easier to get behind the dogs and slit their throats and let them bleed out. By the end of it, he was covered in blood.”

Before the Slaughter

When Eleanor Matthews was an BC SPCA field agent from 1997 to 2000, she covered the Pemberton area, Mount Currie and Whistler. (All photos were given to the SPCA.) In 2006, after her efforts to have SPCA head office properly investigate what she had documented had failed, and after having her report published in local Whistler newspapers and still no meaningful action from the SPCA, she sent her whole file to Animal Advocates Society. They published it and had several phone conversations with her in which she told them some her questions about why the SPCA, as Eleanor said, “was sweeping this under the carpet.” Though many complaints were made over the years, still no meaningful action was taken by the SPCA until the dogs were dead. (The secretive SPCA, though an agency of the government by the act of having statutory powers granted to it by the BC government long ago, refuses to give certain information the government requests about its enforcement activities, so there is no way to know how many complaints it received over this long period, but there were many and the SPCA knew that when someone told them Fawcett’s dogs were in bad shape that in fact they may have been in “distress” the offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA Act.) and could have been seized many times in those years.

In 2000, Eleanor Matthews had a complaint from the public about 73 sled dogs belonging to Robert Fawcett’s Howling Dogs Sled Dogs company that were being kept in crates on the back of two trucks. The crates are suppose to only be used for transport to and from snow sledding jobs, but were being used to keep the dogs in, rather than in proper, permanent kennels.

Not all got out every day except for their one meal. Some crates had two to three dogs in them. When Matthews went to investigate she was alarmed at the condition these dogs were being kept in and was told by the owner/operator that the dogs only got water once a day in their food [aka “souping”].

This was not only alarming but contrary to the SPCA’s own stated kennel standards. All the dogs were underweight as can be seen in the photos. Matthews also believed that Howling Dogs owner, Robert Fawcett, bought some dogs from SPCAs and that he was “in cahoots” with the SPCA in some way. If true, that would be a reason to leave Fawcett alone, not charged, keeping him out of court where the SPCA’s involvement in his business, whether by supplying him with dogs or by keeping him in business by not ever shutting him down, would be exposed.

Source: Animal Advocates Society

Al Magaw – Spirit of the North Kennels – February 2021

Salmo, British Columbia – Canada

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February 2021 Coverage:

The BC SPCA has seized 40 dogs from a West Kootenay sled dog operation. The animals were rescued and taken into BC SPCA care on Feb. 16, after SPCA animal protection officers executed a warrant on the property, located outside of Salmo, B.C.
Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, says there were a number of welfare concerns for the animals, including inadequate shelter, hypothermia, suspected dehydration and stereotypical behaviour witnessed in some of the dogs.
“In 2012, the Province of British Columbia, veterinarians, the BC SPCA and the sled dog industry jointly created Canada’s first Sled Dog Code of Practice, which sets out standards of care for the health and welfare of sled dogs,” she says. “The code includes standards for housing, feeding, veterinary care, exercise and socialization, grooming and transportation.”
Moriarty says conditions on the property were in direct violation of some areas of the code. “Our officers worked with this individual, providing clear direction on what changes needed to be made and giving him an opportunity to improve conditions, but he refused to substantially comply with certain areas of the code that resulted in the dogs meeting the definition of distress under the legislation, and so we moved forward with a warrant to ensure the dogs got the care they required.”
Moriarty says the individual also operated an ad-hoc “behavioural modification” service and boarding on the property and a number of dogs in distress from these areas were among the 40 dogs removed.
The dogs have been transported to various SPCA locations, where they are receiving veterinary treatment and ongoing care. The investigation into the animal cruelty case continues and the animals are not available for adoption at this time.

May 2021 Coverage:

ALAN MAGAW vs BRITISH COLUMBIA SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
EXCERPTS FROM FULL CASE LINKED HERE: 2021_jun9_magaw_v_bcspca_decision_corrigendum.pdf (gov.bc.ca) (bolding and italics done by Humane Mushing)
“This is an appeal pursuant to s. 20.3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 372 (the PCAA) related to the seizure of 40 dogs (the Animals) from the Appellant, Alan Magaw at his property located at -OMITTED BY HUMANE MUSHING- in Salmo, BC (the Property).”
7. “In brief, this appeal involves the seizure of 40 dogs from the Property. For reasons explained in detail later, the Panel has decided not to return the animals in dispute to the Appellant. Pursuant to s. 20.6(b) of the PCAA, the Society is permitted, in its discretion, to destroy, sell or otherwise dispose of the Animals.” (PAGE 1)
8. “The Society sought to recover costs in the amount of $64,152.67. The Panel has decided that the Appellant is liable to the Society for costs in the amount incurred by the Society with respect to care of the Animals while in custody.” (PAGE 1)
11. The animals seized by the Society consisted of 40 dogs. Nine of the dogs were not owned by the Appellant. Two have been returned to their owners (Kera (534280) and Trigger (524288); and seven are or have been redeemed (Juno (524277), Ajax (524279), Dae (524283), Charley (524284), Rico (524286), Lucky/Buddy (524283) and Big Red (524287). The remaining 31 dogs are subject to this Appeal. (PAGE 3)
12. “After the hearing was complete, two dogs were found to be in a condition of critical distress and were humanely euthanized, reducing the number of dogs under appeal to 29. These animals are referred to in the decision and orders as the Remaining Animals.”
14. “On January 12, 2021, the Society received a complaint call regarding approximately 30 dogs on the Property. The complainant stated that many of the dogs were old, did not get out for exercise, and were standing in water in their pens. The complainant added that recently four of the dogs had become ill and died without the owner seeking veterinary care.” (PAGE 3)
15. “SPC Affleck reviewed the complaint and found 12 other complaints and dispatch requests for the same address in the Society’s database.” (PAGE 3)
16. “On January 14, 2021, SPC Affleck and Animal Protection Officer (APO) Chapman attended the Property and met with the Appellant. After being advised of the complaint, the Appellant agreed let SPC Affleck and APO Chapman inspect all the animals on the Property. The Appellant told the officers that he provides sled dog tours, boarding and training at his facility. Inspection of the dogs found 41 dogs in kennels and on tethers, as well as 7 dogs running loose in a fenced yard, and two 3 horses. The attendance resulted in four Notices (B35318, B35317, B35316 and B35315) being issued to the Appellant with instructions to address housing concerns, to ensure that all dogs were released from containment once a day, and to provide veterinary care or assessment to several of the dogs.” (PAGE 3)
17. “On January 21, 2021, SPC Affleck and APO Chapman arrived at the Property to conduct the compliance check. They reviewed the records of the sled dogs and spoke with the Appellant about his training and the status of the dogs in his care. SPC Affleck read the Appellant an Official Warning. The Appellant allowed them to inspect the animals and agreed to sign a BC SPCA Vet Record release form for -OMITTED BY HUMANE MUSHING-.” (PAGE 4)
18. “The Appellant advised that the dog “King” had been euthanized by gunshot since the last visit, and that he had plans to take two dogs with dental concerns to the vet the next day. He said he would have a phone consultation with the vet about two other dogs because it was hard to get an appointment because of Covid. The Appellant granted permission for APO Chapman to take photos and video of the dogs. SPC Affleck issued a Notice (B35319) to the Appellant to provide adequate shelter for all dogs as described the relevant acts and regulations.” (PAGE 4)
20. “On January 28, 2021, APO Chapman and SPC Affleck returned to the Property to conduct a compliance check on the January 21st Notice. They found the conditions of the dogs were unchanged. The Appellant stated that no changes were going to be made. During the visit, the officers noted a dog that was limping, had red feet, and a concern with his penis. They issued a Notice (B35321) for the dog to receive vet treatment within 24 hours.” (PAGE 4)
26. “She found that the Appellant’s claim that sled dogs were inherently different from other dogs stood in contrast to the evidence of two veterinary experts that detail the nature of the dogs’ distress. Based on the veterinary evidence, Ms. Moriarty found that the animals were in distress.” (PAGE 4)
41. With regards to the veterinary care of the animals, the witnesses offered evidence as follows: (i) When asked about dogs that had died, Mr. Black could not offer any details. He said that he assisted with the holes for burying them. The last dog that he buried was King. He was not present when King was put down, but he buried him. He couldn’t offer any more detail about other the dogs that had died and was not aware of whether there were records kept. (PAGE 10) (l) Over the years, Ms. Ogilvie has seen dogs die, though she did not offer a number. She gave evidence that “they don’t all die outside, some are euthanized. It’s less stressful for them to be euthanized at home.” (PAGE 10)
82. She describes several occasions where dogs were sick or injured while she was at the Property and her experience of their care. Her evidence is as follows: (a) On November 18, 2020 there was a dog fight between two sled dogs while they were running with them with the quad. In the fight, Jethrow punctured the neck of Bacchus and drew blood. Ms. Kirk took Bacchus to the Appellant to explain what happened and suggested that they call the vet. The Appellant dismissed the injury and did nothing to treat it. (b) A pitbull mix named Amy who was there for adoption was kept outside until she got bad frostbite on her head and ears. After that she was allowed to sleep inside at night and was left outside during the day with a neck-warmer over her ears. (c) An older sled dog, Celine, suffered from declining health over 2-3 weeks. She became extremely bloated and her ribs were protruding. Her fur fell out in patches. She would not eat or drink. Ms. Kirk suggested to the Appellant that Celine needed veterinary care, but he refused and told her to “wait and see.” Celine eventually passed away without veterinary care. (PAGE 17) (d) Another retired sled dog, Adam, “suffered greatly” before he died at the kennel. Ms. Kirk describes him whining, moaning and struggling to get out of his house. He had a wound on his leg that appeared infected. Eventually the Appellant called the vet to consult about Adam and was given permission to put him down. Two weeks later, Adam died in his kennel. (PAGE 18)
132. At the time of seizure, SPC Affleck concluded that the Animals were in distress due to lack of adequate water, space, exercise, care or veterinary treatment, based on the definition of distress set out above in s. 1(2)(a) of the PCAA. He also concluded that their living conditions were unsanitary due to the build-up of feces in the outdoor pens and urine on the houses and bedding, s. 1(2)(a.1). (PAGE 25)
135. The Panel was presented with a body of definitive evidence that the Appellant was not in compliance. As a sled dog operator, the Appellant neglected to adhere to basic requirements for hygiene, housing and record keeping under the Sled Dog Standards of Care Regulation. While he objects to any interpretation of the regulations by the Society as misleading, his own evidence takes liberties with interpretation and implementation. (PAGE 26)
142. The Panel further considers evidence of the death of four dogs on the Property that the Appellant allowed to die without seeking veterinary care, and the fact that the Appellant chose to shoot the dog ‘King’ rather than take him for a behavioral consultation with a veterinarian as indicative of how similar situations may be dealt with in the future. (PAGE 27)
143. After the Appeal hearing, two senior dogs in the care of the Society (D2 & D3) were determined to be in critical distress and were humanely euthanized. These were two of the dogs specified in Notice 351315, the first notice delivered on January 11, 2021, which specified that Atlas, Ajax and Aladdin required veterinary care. The Panel heard evidence that only Aladdin was taken to the vet. The Appellant tried to call in an inquiry to the vet about Atlas and Ajax and was asked to bring them into the clinic the following day. The Appellant’s evidence does not provide any reason why these two dogs were not taken in to see the vet. It appears he just could not be bothered. (PAGE 27)
144. Veterinary records from the Nelson Animal Hospital demonstrated how rarely the Appellant took dogs to see the vet. In fact, only 3 of the dogs that were seized were included in the records provided. One comment stood out in the record for Isis on March 17, 2020 in response to a request for a veterinary letter recommending euthanasia. It reads, “Basically Celeste is not wanting to spend time drafting a letter for this, as he is often phoning about dogs that we have never seen for exam. She has had this conversation with him a few times.” (PAGE 27)
146. The Appellant submitted no kennel records to the proceedings, and no evidence or affidavit from their primary vet. The veterinary records that were provided by the Appellant had significant gaps. As a result, the Panel has very limited evidence beyond that of the veterinarians who attended the seizure. (PAGE 28)
159. Among the dogs in the B and D groups, 19/29 dogs had worn deep tracks in their area as a result of circling. To support this, the Society video submissions from the day of the seizure show a number of dogs demonstrating stereotypic circling behavior, not just on the arrival of the Society’s officers, but continuing well past the point where the novelty would have worn off. (PAGE 30)
161. The Panel prefers the evidence of Dr. van Haaften, who had the opportunity to spend hours with the dogs in their environment. We find that the video evidence supports Dr. van Haaften’s description of repetitive behaviors being carried out identically over and over again over time. This is supported by wear patterns on the ground. (PAGE 30)
162. The Panel accepts this as evidence that the dogs were not receiving adequate enrichment. (PAGE 30)
172. While the Appellant claims the Society is trying to advance its own agenda by reading too high a level of care into the Sled Dog regulations, the Panel notes that he dismisses the choices he makes that depart from the regulations on the rationale that he has greater expertise and understanding of what sled dogs really need. It diminishes the impact of the Appellant’s claims against the Society, and demonstrates disregard for any authority on the sled dog care aside from his own. (PAGE 32)
173. Based on the evidence and submissions of the Society, as well as admissions by the Appellant, it is evident that the Appellant was not in compliance with the Sled Dog Standards of Care Regulation in a number of areas that contributed directly to the finding of distress. This forms part of the rational in the Panel’s decision not to return the dogs, particularly since the areas of non-compliance with the Regulation overlap with the areas concern under the PCAA, specifically housing, containment and hygiene, meeting nutritional needs, access to veterinary care, and record keeping and lifecycle planning. (PAGE 32)
175. The Sled Dog Standards of Care Regulation provide a minimum standard of care for animals used in specific work. They are additive to the PCAA which sets out 33 the minimum standard of care for all animals. In no way should the Sled Dog Standards of Care Regulations be considered an excuse for a lower level of care, or any situation in which an animal is determined to be in distress. Distress is distress regardless of the animal’s work. (PAGE 32)
181. Finally, in considering the return of the dogs, the Panel gave significant weight to the prevalence of health issues in the older dog population, as well as emerging issues in the younger dog population. It is evident that, while the younger dogs are generally in better condition, living in ongoing marginal conditions with inadequate housing, nutrition, enrichment and access to adequate socialization, wears down the dogs over time. The deterioration of the older dogs appears to be a consequence of long-term stressors as a result of nutritional deficiency, inadequate housing, bedding and hygiene, and a general lack of veterinary maintenance and care. (PAGE 33)
182. For that reason, the Panel has determined that the return of any Animals to this situation, regardless of their current age and health, would still carry a significant risk of returning them to a condition of distress. (PAGE 33)

Western United States

Spirit Eagle Racing Kennel – January 2023

Priest River, Idaho – USA

CONVCTIONS AND SENTENCING

A couple charged in the abandonment of 31 husky-type (sled) dogs will serve time in jail after being sentenced Friday in Bonner County Magistrate Court.

Jacob M. McCowan, 45, and Jessica L. Smurthwaite, 31, were charged in late January with abandoning 31 dogs in southwestern Bonner County, parts of Kootenai County and in Pend Oreille County, Wash. Plea agreements were later reached with both in the case, dropping the number of charges against McCowan to 10 and the number of charges against Smurthwaite to two since the extent of her involvement could not be determined.

“This is not a case that happened because somebody lost their job,” Harden said. “𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝟑𝟏 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫.”

McCowan was sentenced to 750 days — just over two years — in jail with up to 180 days per count possible — just under five years — if he fails to stay out of trouble. He was also sentenced to six years of supervised probation, a $5,000 fine and barred from owning any animal or being in one’s presence while on probation.

Noting that a range of help was available for both the family and the dogs, McCowan did not reach out. Rodriguez said McCowan used the dogs both as sled dogs and as a breeding operation. 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬.

“He said that none of his actions were done with any degree of malice or a cavalier attitude,” Rodriquez said. “You’re releasing emaciated dogs in the middle of January, in sub-freezing temperatures. … He didn’t leave them where people could try and grab them quickly, he left them out in the middle of nowhere where they were most likely to die.”

The dogs were evaluated by BTAA’s in-house veterinary staff, which determined the dogs faced significant medical issues.

“As we learned more, it became clear that the dogs were abandoned intentionally and would require extensive medical care,” Evans testified.

The dogs showed a range of health and behavioral issues, including chronic gastrointestinal issues due to parasitic infestation and bacterial infection. All were malnourished, underweight and under-socialized to the point of being considered feral, Evans said.

Some of the dogs required advanced treatment for life-threatening conditions, including a dog pregnant with non-viable puppies, another with a uterine infection, and another with advanced glaucoma where one of the eyes had ulcerated due to the pressure and the other eye was about to rupture.

“In my nearly 13-year tenure as BTAA’s executive director, 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭,” she said.

Some dogs were found deceased and others were so scared and so feral, they were hard to catch.

Heather Toliver described caring for one of the dogs, later adopting her, and noted the process has been long and is still ongoing. The dog, Sugar, faced significant medical issues and remains skittish and is afraid of men. They have spent hours in emergency rooms and physical therapy working to bring her to health.

Asked what she wanted, Toliver said it was simple.

“𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞,” she said, “𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆.”

Bonner County Daily Bee Article – July 13, 2023

𝐈𝐝𝐚𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 – musher being charged is Jacob McCowan. He (along with Jessica Smurtwaite) are being charged with 31 counts of Animal Cruelty/Abandonment of Animals.

According to the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge musher bio website, his kennel is “Spirit Eagle Racing Kennel.” His interview for the race states he ran the Junior Iditarod four times.

On the Junior Iditarod website, he is listed as having ran the race from ’92-’95 – listed as “did not finish” in ’94 and ’95, and as the Red Lantern recipient in ’93.

He’s listed as having won the 2016 Priest Lake Sled Dog Race 8-dog sprint class; as having finished 7th both days in the 2022 Flathead Classic Sled Dog Race 6-dog class; as having registered and withdrawn from the 2022 Idaho Sled Dog Challenge 300-miler; and as having registered and withdrawn from the 2023 Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race 200-miler.

Bonner County Sheriff’s Office Media Release – January 25, 2023

Deputes from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office are wrapping up their investigation into the abandonment of large numbers of “Husky” type dogs in the south/west part of Bonner County, bordering Kootenai County and Pend Oreille County.

To date, we have identified and documented 31 dogs associated with this case. There is a possibility of 5 or more dogs seen roaming in these areas that have not been captured. All of the 31 documented dogs have received medical screenings and appear malnourished or in poor general health. The dogs are currently in shelter at BTAA (Better Together Animal Alliance) in Ponderay, at the Kootenai Humane Society or at private residences.

This investigation has resulted in the filing of 31 criminal counts of animal cruelty and abandonment against both 45-year-old Jacob M. McCowan and 31-year-old Jessica L. Smurtwaite. Both have left Idaho and are now residing near Salt Lake City, Utah.

We would like to thank all those in our community who have assisted by either reporting or caring for these dogs. A special thanks for their invaluable assistance goes out to the Better Together Animal Alliance shelter, the Kootenai Humane Society, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Animal Control Division, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northwoods Veterinary Clinic in Athol. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Northwoods Veterinary Clinic and BTAA medical staff for the medical exams and treatment they have provided free of charge.

Anyone with questions regarding possible donations to assist the shelters or who might be interested in adopting one of these animals, should contact the BTAA shelter in Ponderay at 208-217-4453.

Undersheriff Ror Lakewood – Office 208-263-8417

Absaroka Dogsled Treks – August 2018

Pray, Montana – USA

Approximately 75 sled dogs were neglected and repeatedly abandoned at a resort kennel in Pray, Montana. With highs reaching near 100 degrees throughout the month of August, the dogs were left alone for days at a time without food or water. When someone did return to feed them, they were provided with stripped mink carcasses from a nearby fur farm. 35 of the older dogs were lucky enough to be released to a private sanctuary in Emigrant, Montana. The dogs arrived to Mountain Angels Sanctuary emaciated, dehydrated, unvaccinated, and unaltered.

The rescue founder commented that, “as I witnessed a dead dog still on her chain being dragged into a hole with the others… I am grateful for getting the rest out alive. I can’t get that picture out of my head… Poor little souls. The rest are doing well.”

Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dogs – December 2009

Hartsel, Colorado – USA

Guilty Plea – 90 Days in Jail, 48 Hours Community Service, Two Years Probation

December 2009 Coverage

The Park County Sheriff’s Department will recommend that 108 counts of animal cruelty be filed against the owners of the Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dog Kennel near Hartsel, Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore said today.

The case will likely be presented to Assistant District Attorney Katie O’Brien some time next week.

Eight dogs were found dead early this week by investigators at the kennel operated by Samuel and Diane Walker.

On Wednesday and Thursday, state and Park County investigators removed a total of about 100 dogs, all of whom were neglected and starving, said Gore.

The 30 dogs in the worst shape were removed Wednesday with one of those dogs – the ninth to die – succumbing enroute to a veterinarian, said Gore.

The last of the dogs were taken to shelters late Thursday night.

“I hope they can save these dogs, but some are in such poor physical condition, I’m not sure that will happen,” Gore said today.

According to Colorado State Veterinarian Dr. Keith Roehr, most of the dogs were husky-malamute mix.

“We were appalled by the condition of the dogs and want to ensure their care and well-being,” he said. “There were a number of very, very thin dogs – extremely thin.”

The Walkers have not returned calls seeking comment.

The seizure of the animals came after Sheriff Fred Wegener and Park County Animal Control Sgt. Bobbi Priestly observed dead dogs at the kennel stuffed into dog food bags on Tuesday.

A court-ordered search was authorized late Tuesday. Early Wednesday, authorities moved on to the property to remove the dogs.

According to Gore, the animals have been moved to numerous shelters around the state where they will ultimately be prepared for adoption.

Late Friday, Dr. Kate Anderson, the administrator of Colorado’s Bureau of Animal Protection, said the majority of the animals were extremely thin and malnourished.

She said that Pawsatrak Racing Sled Dogs is licensed as a small scale dog breeder and has “a fairly long history of compliance with the department’s pet care program.”

The last inspection was in February and at that time there were no signs of neglect.

State officials said Sam Walker does have a cruelty conviction related to the 2002 Hayman fire when a dog was inadvertently injured after escaping.

They added that Sam and Diane Walker have signed ownership of 98 dogs to the Park County Sheriff’s Department.

Anderson said the goal now “is to ensure the safety and care of the dogs, evaluate what has transpired at the Pawsatrak facility and how it will affect their license, and learn from the extremely unfortunate event to help the department to better protect all pet animals in Colorado.”

The Colorado Department of Agriculture late Friday also put out a list of where the animals are being cared for. They include:

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley, 2323 55th Street, Boulder; the Humane Society of Denver/Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver; the Longmont Humane Society, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont; the Summit County Animal Shelter, Frisco; Arkansas Valley Humane Society, 701 Gregg Drive, Buena Vista; and the Humane Society of Fremont County, 110 Rhoades Avenue, Canon City.

Christi Lightcap, spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Agriculture, said that all the dogs are friendly and will make good pets. She added, however, that there are some nutritional concerns that must be dealt with first before they can be adopted.

“It could take weeks – if not longer – but that is a decision each shelter will make on its own,” said Lightcap. – Denver Post, December 18th 2009

February 2011 Coverage

A Colorado man who owned a sled-dog racing business has been sentenced to 90 days in jail for abusing more than 100 dogs at his kennel.

Sam Walker was also sentenced Monday to two years of probation and 48 hours of community service. The Park County man previously pleaded guilty to animal cruelty.

Walker was granted a furlough from jail next week to attend his daughter’s wedding.

Authorities say dozens of dogs starved to death at Walker’s kennel in 2009. A veterinarian who worked on the case says he received dogs that were frozen and covered in dirt.

Walker’s kennel was near Hartsel, about 70 miles southwest of Denver. – CBS Colorado

Ontario, Canada

Anangook Racing Sled Dogs – February 2017

Greenstone, Ontario – Canada

Guilty Plea – Lifetime Ban on Animal Ownership

February 2017 Coverage

Staff and volunteers at the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society have been working around the clock following several animal rescues throughout the region, including 10 dogs that were in immediate distress.

On Tuesday, staff and OSPCA agents with the Thunder Bay Human Society rescued 33 dogs throughout the region after being informed of animals at large and in distress by rescues in local communities.

Twenty dogs were rescued from Shoal Lake #39, Kenora, and Whitefish Bay. While the team was in Whitefish Bay, they received reports of dogs in immediate distress from the OPP in Longlac.

“They were in immediate emergency distress and we needed to remove them from that situation and we brought them into our care,” said Cassandra Nordal, fundraising coordinator with Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.

The OPP Greenstone detachment reported the dogs were discovered by snowmobilers just south of Longlac. Several were found dead and of the 15 dogs, 10 survived and remain in quarantine at the Thunder Bay Humane Society.

The 10 dogs, identified as huskies, are extremely emaciated and mal-nourished. Using a body condition scale from one to nine, the dogs were on the low end of the scale, between one and two.

“Some of the dogs had active wounds, and low body condition scoring as well,” said Jeremy Gardiner, a SPCA agent with the Thunder Bay Humane Society. “There was some neglect going on there for sure.”

An investigation is being conducted by the OPP and OSPCA and the dogs are being assessed by staff and veterinarians in Thunder Bay.

With such a large intake of animals, the Thunder Bay Humane Society was forced to close down for the day on Wednesday. – February 8th 2017

April 2017 Coverage

Two people are facing multiple animal cruelty charges as a result of an investigation following a high-profile dog rescue near Longlac.

According to an Ontario Provincial Police media release, 43-year-old John Onabigon of Ginoogaming First Nation Territory has been charged with cruelty to animals, causing damage or injury to an animal, failing to provide suitable or adequate food, water, care and shelter, and killing, injuring, or endangering animals other than cattle.

Gwendolen Onabigon, 45-years-old, of Ginoogaming First Nation Territory is also facing the same charges pending her arrest.

On February 7, 2017, Greenstone OPP received reports of dogs in immediate distress at a cabin north of the Lower Flat Rapids area.

Police located 15 dogs with various injuries and health problems and three were discovered deceased. The surviving dogs were transported to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society, where their condition continues to improve.

An investigation was launched alongside the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, leading to the charges against John Onabigon and Gwendolen Onabigon.

On Mar. 31, 2017, 16 additional dogs owned by the couple were surrendered to Greenstone OPP and Thunder Bay OSPCA agents and transported to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society for assessment.

The rescue in Longlac was part of a large influx of dogs and cats from the region last February, with more than 30 dogs being transported to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society. – April 1st 2017

April 2018 Coverage

A Greenstone man has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty and has received a lifetime ban on owning or caring for animals.

John O’Nabigon Jr. pleaded guilty last week in the Ontario Court of Justice to willfully causing unnecessary suffering and willfully neglecting to provide suitable and adequate care of 31 sled dogs, and killing three without willful and lawful cause.

Provincial police were called last February by snowmobilers who found a large number of sled dogs tethered in a remote wilderness area near Longlac. Three of the 15 dogs were dead and the remaining 12 were emaciated. The dogs were removed by the OPP, Want a Pett, a Greenstone-based animal welfare organization, the people who found the dogs and the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, who took in the dogs and provided veterinary attention and care.

Nearly two months later, an officer with the Ontario Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals attended the man’s residence in Longlac and found 17 more dogs, which were without shelter, food and water. O’Nabigon surrendered the dogs to the humane society and all but one were deemed to be underweight.

The sentence also includes a six-month conditional sentence on each count and one-year probation. O’Nabigon was also ordered to pay more than $27,000 in restitution to the humane society.

“The level of neglect and suffering that many of these animals endured is horrible to imagine. Abandoning an animal to starve to death, or simply failing to provide the basic care of an animal, will not be tolerated,” said Ontario SPCA senior inspector Lynn Michaud in a statement.

“If you are unable to care for your animals, contact your local Ontario SPCA Animal Centre, or Humane Society. With the resources available in today’s society, there is no excuse for allowing an animal to suffer.” – April 16th 2018

Deerhurst Resort / Hidden Meadow Farm – July 2016

Huntsville, Ontario – Canada

Guilty Plea – Five Year Ban on Dog Ownership

July 2016 Coverage

Last week, the Ontario SPCA (OSPCA) announced charges against the owner of Hidden Meadow Farm, the kennel that provides dog sledding and trail rides at Deerhurst Resort.

In the release, they said, “On June 8, 2016, the Ontario SPCA received calls concerning care of animals in a kennel. Ontario SPCA officers attended and found 42 Alaskan Husky and Malamute-type sled dogs at the location. A veterinarian examination revealed large, open wounds that had been left untreated for days; numerous older, healed, partially healed and infected wounds; limping with an obviously swollen, painful leg; fever; and broken, infected teeth.”

The subsequent charges were:

Permitting an animal to be in distress
Failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention
Failing to provide the care necessary for an animal’s general welfare
Failing to confine an animal to a pen or other enclosed structure or area that must not contain one or more other animals that may pose a danger to the animal

Prior to the incident, there had allegedly been a fight between four dogs resulting in injuries to two and the death of a third. The kennel’s owner, Shani Ride, says the injured dogs “were in isolated kennels, they were on penicillin and they were getting their wounds cleaned twice a day. I have nothing against the SPCA. They were doing their job. When they come out to a call, they have to check everything. They walked around and looked at the rest of the dogs and found two more.”

The OSPCA told Ride that the four dogs had to have veterinary care, but she refused. “I said, ‘I’m not going to do that, I’m already treating them and I feel my treatment was fine. I’ve dealt with these injuries before. Taking all four of those dogs to the vet was going to cost me in the thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, I love these animals but this is a business. I said if you feel my care isn’t proper for them, I will have them euthanized. Businesswise, it doesn’t make sense for me to put thousands of dollars into these dogs when the unfortunate reality is that a new sled dog would cost me $200.”

OSPCA officers gave Ride the option of surrendering the dogs instead, which she did. Of the two injured dogs, one, Teddy, was taken immediately and had a four-hour surgery. The other, Thistle, they returned for a week and a half later, says Ride, and was almost healed, but “they took him and did surgery which in my opinion delayed the healing process.”

Of the other two dogs, only one ended up being surrendered – Elvis, who had a lump bigger than a golf ball under his knee, but Ride says he had it when she bought him and he’d never shown lameness because of it. The fourth dog, Frost, had an infected ear that had healed by the time officers returned.

The charges came later, says Ride. “They came back and charged me with animal cruelty, which really upsets me because I feel I was trapped. I won’t surrender my dogs again.” She invited this writer to stop by and see the dogs. The photos below show the dogs as they were at that time: most in kennels by twos, and two dogs chained outside the kennel area, one nearby and one just up the hill in a forested area where there were also other single shelters and chains. There were no kennel staff present.

Matt Todd, the former owner of the kennel who sold the operation eight years ago to Ride, said that he filed a complaint about treatment of the animals in May of 2014. After he received a tip from a friend who was concerned about the animals, he says he went to the kennel and, based on what he saw, called police. He also lodged a complaint with Deerhurst.

“(The OPP) said they would contact the SPCA. We left it up to them,” says Todd. “There was neglect over time. I’d heard some stories… rumours go around and you take them with a grain of salt. But once I observed it, I said, ‘this isn’t cool.’”

He took photos of the dogs, some who were emaciated, some who were chained to stakes, and one of a deceased dog in a wheelbarrow.

Ride says she remembers the day as being busy. “(The dead dog) was Swift – it was pretty much the same situation, which makes it sound like it happens all the time. This was in the old kennels. They were in pretty bad shape. Dogs got out, she got killed. It was in the middle of a busy day so they took her out of the kennel and they wheeled her into the bushes where they couldn’t see her and then we went over in the evening and took her and buried her.”

But Todd disagrees with those actions. “(They) just put the dog in a wheelbarrow with an old door on top and stuffed it at the side of the woods. That’s someone saying, ‘oh, well, I’ll just deal with it later.’ It hadn’t just passed away. I’ve lost a few dogs… and the first thing I did was bury it behind a tree. You do the dog the decency, you don’t put it in a barrow and leave it for later.”

Ride, who says she hasn’t seen the photos, also said that it’s normal for sled dogs to be skinny after a sledding season. “My vet has been involved with my dogs for years and there have been times when she has said the dogs are looking a little skinny, let’s look at some different feeding options.”

But Todd disagrees with that, too. “Just like any human, if you were training for a race that’s true to some extent. But there’s a difference. I’ll agree that the Alaskan husky is basically a cross between a greyhound and a husky. Sure my dogs would lose weight over the winter, but there’s a difference between seeing a few ribs and seeing ribs, hips, and joints. When I was there, some dogs looked healthy and some didn’t. I took a picture of the one that looked the worst.”

Todd also said that while he’s had dogs fight, they’ve never come away with more than a few puncture wounds and none have fought to the death. He currently owns four sled dogs, two of which he took back from Ride’s kennel – one seven years ago that was in good health and one last winter that was in rougher shape and had a tooth hanging by a piece of skin.

Today, Deerhurst Resort general manager Jesse Hamilton said in a written statement that the resort has “suspended the Dog Sled Program run through Hidden Meadow Farm. As part of our ongoing commitment to the care of all animals on our property, we have also proactively decided to temporarily close the stable operations today, which are also operated by Hidden Meadow Farm, so we can conduct a review and are requesting added guidance from the OSPCA – even though no issues have been raised regarding that operation.”

Ride says she understands their business situation. “Deerhurst has done the right thing. I have no concerns, the SPCA was at the farm two or three days ago and had no concerns. And if Deerhurst wants them to come back in, that’s fine.

I am not the only person this has happened to,” she added. “It happens. If you had two dogs and you came home from work and they had fought and one of them had died, everybody would be going, ‘oh, that’s so terrible, I’m so sorry.’ But this happened at a kennel so I’m a monster – that’s what upsets me.”

Ride says she doesn’t agree with the charges against her and will be hiring a lawyer. She will answer to her charges August 23 in Bracebridge court. – Huntsville Doppler, July 16h 2016

October 2016 Coverage

“Can anyone help my dogs ?!”

That’s how an October 13 post to the Ontario Federation of Sleddog Sports (OFSS) Facebook page by Hidden Meadow Farm owner Shani Ride (posting on the page as Shani Ryde) began. Doppler reported in July on charges laid against Ride and her sled dog operation at Deerhurst Resort by the OSPCA, and the kennel’s former owner’s concerns about treatment of the dogs in her care.

When the OSPCA investigated they found dogs with “large, open wounds that had been left untreated for days; numerous older, healed, partially healed and infected wounds; limping with an obviously swollen, painful leg; fever; and broken, infected teeth.” There were 42 dogs when they visited the property.

After the charges were laid, a former owner of the kennel came forward with photos taken in 2004 of Ride’s dogs, some who were emaciated, some who were chained to stakes, and one of a deceased dog in a wheelbarrow, saying he had reported the operation to the police.

In Ride’s post, she went on to blame the media and the OSPCA for destroying her business, writing to followers of the OFSS page, “Like all of you my kennels and dog yard are tended to daily but it only takes one picture to be taken before chore time and you are made to be a monster making your dogs live in their own excrement. I have lost my dog sledding contract due to the media circus that revolved around the injury of one of my dogs and I now have to find homes for 31 dogs asap.”

Ride claims that a former partner was to take the dogs but pulled out at the last minute and she now has nowhere to house them. She added that she has made arrangements to surrender the dogs to the OSPCA “next week” as a last resort, and that although the dogs are “friendly and easy to work with…the majority of these dogs will not be deemed as good pets and will be put to sleep. This is not fair! They are not pets! They are working dogs and the only place they are going to be happy is on the trail.”

Ride stressed that the dogs are healthy and happy and put out a plea to the page’s followers to take on one or more of the dogs which she is offering up for free. She also asked that no one make negative comments on the post because “my family and I have been through so much already this summer. We are good people and good animal care givers. People just don’t understand the life of a working dog and when you are made a target it is pure hell.”

Comments on the post to date have been supportive – like “This is so sad. I hope and that you will come out with brighter spirit knowing that some if not all your kids will find a great home. I will be praying” and “It’s too bad that media can spin a story that doesn’t portray the truth. Hopefully your family can survive. My heart goes out to you & your family (dogs) Good luck” – while comments on a copy of the post shared locally have expressed relief that the dogs will be in better care, including this one: “Every one of those dogs deserves a chance a a good life. A chance they would never get under her care……fingers crossed for every one.” – Huntsville Doppler, October 14th 2016

December 2016 Coverage

In a media release today, the Ontario SPCA reported that a 47-year-old Orangeville woman, formerly of Huntsville, has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty under the Ontario SPCA Act.

In June 2016, the Ontario SPCA responded to concerns about dogs in a kennel in Huntsville. Ontario SPCA officers found 42 Alaskan Husky and Malamute-type sled dogs at the location. Officers discovered dogs with large, open wounds that had been left untreated, as well as numerous older, partially healed and infected wounds. A subsequent veterinary examination of three dogs surrendered into the care of the Ontario SPCA revealed broken and infected teeth, fever and a swollen, painful leg that caused one dog to limp badly.

Shani Ride, 47, pleaded guilty at the Provincial Offenses Court in Bracebridge on November 22, 2016 to permitting distress. A Justice of the Peace sentenced her to a five-year prohibition on owning or caring for any dogs, with the exception of one dog, which must be examined by a veterinarian every three months. She is also subject to unannounced inspections of her property by the Ontario SPCA.

“With resources available to help people who are unable to care for their animals, there really is no excuse when it comes to neglecting to care for your animals,” says Alison Green, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you fail to provide for them, there will be consequences under the law.” – Huntsville Doppler, December 5th 2016

Quebec, Canada

Saguenay and the Fjord Dog Sledding (ORCA) – Summer 2022

Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Quebec – Canada

The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) confirmed that it launched an investigation on Tuesday (June 7th 2022) into a potential case of animal abuse in Sainte-Rose-du-Nord. The Orca Kennel was inspected after numerous complaints. The inspectors’ visit resulted in a batch of recommendations and some mandatory changes to which Hans Péladeau-Bisseger, the owner, will have to comply with within the next 30 days. “I was asked to make changes to the facilities, among other things. They gave me 15 days to send them proof of conformity by photo. In 30 days, there will be another inspection,” said Mr. Péladeau-Bisseger. – leQuotidien Numerique

It was confirmed by a handler that the owner culled a dog – Snoopie – on June 5th 2022, after arrangements were made to get the dog much-needed medical help with rescue.

A chain-free touring kennel has had these dogs legally signed over and are rehabilitating them and adopting them into homes.

Kerouac Destination Nature – November 2009

Upper Laurentians, Quebec – Canada

Footage Credit: Scotlund Haisley

The owner of 97 neglected sled dogs has turned the animals over to an emergency shelter because he could no longer care for them, officials with the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle and Humane Society International said Tuesday.

“The dogs were chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter,” Nikolas Gour, a Humane Society International spokesman, said in a statement.

The dogs were being kept in a former home in an undisclosed town in the Upper Laurentians, about 35 kilometres north of Mont-Tremblant. They have now been transported to an emergency shelter in Val Morin, Que., and are being provided with veterinary care, officials said.

The owner agreed to give up the dogs after he was approached by the SPCA, which had received reports about the animals’ poor living conditions. But officials said it took months to persuade him to hand the dogs over.

The living conditions could have gotten much worse because about 30 of the seized dogs were pregnant, said Corinne Gonzalez, executive director of the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle.

“Without our intervention, the owner could easily have found himself with 150 more puppies when winter is right around the corner,” Gonzalez said.

“The puppies would be dead,” Gour said.” “First of all the mothers wouldn’t have enough food to give proper milk. Also, the owner wasn’t really taking care of them.”

The owner of the dogs will not face charges, officials said.

The shelter is asking for donations to help pay for the veterinary care needed for the dogs. Officials said the dogs will be sterilized and made available for adoption as soon as possible.

Neglect of sled dogs is a regularly reported problem in Canada, said the animal welfare groups involved in the rescue. They are calling on the provincial and federal governments to pass stronger protection laws.

Sterilization of sled dogs and planning for their care during the eight-month low season, when sledding is not as popular, must be a priority, the groups said.

Last month, the Quebec government presented an action plan aimed at fighting animal cruelty.

The plan includes hiring more inspectors and adopting stricter regulations for the care of pets.

Gonzalez said she believes the new regulations will help prevent cases such as this one.

“Money talks, so if there’s a big fee at the end — either you give up the animal or fix the problem.” – CBC, November 17th 2009.

Northwest Territories, Canada

Archie Beaulieu – October 2008

Behchoko, Northwest Territories – Canada

Internationally renowned artist Archie Beaulieu is under RCMP investigation after 44 sled dogs, including a dozen puppies, were found malnourished and had to be destroyed.

A local veterinarian and senior Mountie visited a property here where the dogs were penned.

“It had been raining and the dogs were up to their bellies in mud and feces,” said veterinarian Tom Pisz, who made the decision to give the dogs lethal injections. “The smell was horrifying.”

The animals were in a fenced compound that had roughly three doghouses – not nearly enough to shelter them – and there was no sign of food or water, said Pisz.

“Some had skin sores and wounds from fighting with each other. Others were limping. The puppies were hiding under scrap wood.”

RCMP Staff Sgt. Francis Cullen said the dogs were in “very poor condition,” so investigators are determining whether to lay charges. “The matter is under investigation as to the owner’s conduct and behaviour in regards to the animals.”

Beaulieu could not be reached for comment. But a town official said he walked by him on the street in Behchoko yesterday.

Some 2,000 residents live in the remote community about 100 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife.

Paintings by the celebrated Dené often depict animals of northern Canada. His works sell for thousands of dollars. They have been presented to the Queen and bought by governments, dignitaries, corporations and collectors worldwide.

A representative of the agency that handles Beaulieu’s art said it has been trying to reach him for weeks without success.

A Behchoko spokesperson said the community has tried for months to relocate the dogs and even offered to pay the entire cost. In the end, the deal fell apart and the dogs’ condition deteriorated.

“What I know about Archie Beaulieu is that he didn’t move the dogs when he was given every opportunity to do it,” said town spokesperson Craig Yeo.

The vet said it’s not uncommon to find neglected sled dogs in the North. Most people travel by snowmobiles, with dog sleds seldom used, except for racing and ceremonial events. “I have seen dogs neglected and even starved, but this was such a large number of dogs – the worst I’ve ever seen.”

Staff-Sgt. Cullen said sled dogs are tethered on a short leash for most of their lives, on a cable or chain about a metre long, “and that’s where they stay from the day that they’re old enough to pull.” – Toronto Star, October 1st 2008

Alaska

Chugach Express Dog Sled Tours – November 2014

Girdwood, Alaska – USA

An Iditarod veteran and dogsled tour operator hung himself after Animal Control seized 12 emaciated and 1 dead sled dog from his Girdwood property. – KTUU, November 18th 2014

An Anchorage Animal Control officer found one dog dead due to lack of food and water and seized another 12 “emaciated dogs” from a Girdwood residence Wednesday, according to Alaska State Troopers.

The Anchorage Animal Care and Control office received a tip by email about dogs in need of care, said shelter spokeswoman Laura Atwood. Atwood would not say where in Girdwood the alleged neglect took place, but an Animal Control officer who visited the site asked for trooper assistance at 1:32 p.m. according to a trooper dispatch posted online.

Authorities found one dog dead due to lack of food, water and care, troopers wrote. Another 12 dogs were emaciated and were to be taken to the Anchorage shelter, according to troopers and Animal Control officials.

Troopers described the case as an instance of cruelty to animals but have not said whether any charges will be filed. – KTUU, November 13th 2014

Alaskan Sled Dogs (David Straub) – 2004

Willow, Alaska – USA

Iditarod musher David Straub, owner of Alaskan Sled Dogs, was charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty after 28 emaciated dogs were seized from his commercial kennel operation in 2004. Straub was fined $300 and his kennel license temporarily revoked. Ten of his dogs were euthanized.

Straub later unsuccessfully sued the Matanuska-Susitna Borough for $1.5 million in damages resulting from the seizure of his Iditarod sled dogs. He claimed the starving dogs came from the Iditarod blood lines of Susan Butcher and Rick Swenson and were valued at $5.4 million. He was cited again in 2009 for having no kennel license after attempting to sell sled dog puppies online. Eventually the borough reissued his kennel license. – Mat-Su Frontiersman, December 8th 2009