04/22/2026
“ So many "sled dogs" have very short fur and are skinny. Just because they look like an "Alaska Husky" does not mean that they are not freezing when tied up outside. They live on a 5-foot chain whenever they don't have to pull a sled. I once visited a large sled dog operation near Seward: All the approx. 100 dogs were tied with a 5-foot chain to a large plastic barrel. No blanket or straw. They have no personal freedom, cannot play and socialize freely with the other dogs. When they are getting old, and cannot work but need to eat, they get put down. Off course, there are mushers who take better care of their dogs and, for example, sell/rehome retired sled dogs. But Alaska should improve the quality of life for all dogs throughout Alaska, including for sled dogs: proper food and shelter, no more chains. In Europe, sled dogs are NOT kept on chains, but in large enclosures. Dogs are sentient beings and should get treated humanely.”
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122324438090167804&id=61555034132695&comment_id=1625125932028569
“I’ve been dogsledding since January of 1998. I ran dogs recreationally in Central New York until 2001, when I took a sabbatical my junior year of high school and traveled to Cambridge, Minnesota to work for 2000 Iditarod veteran Blake Freking and 1998 Junior Iditarod veteran Jennifer Deye.….
….In November of 2003, I traveled to Alaska to work for one of the sport’s most prominent families – the Seaveys…..
……What I witnessed at Mitch’s was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. No longer willing to morally support industrial mushing due to the constant barrage of horrors I had witnessed throughout the years, …..
…..The mushing scene in North America is far different from that of Europe, where chaining is denounced by the largest purebred sled dog organization in the world – the World Sleddog Association. Sled dogs in the United States and Canada are exempt from most animal cruelty statutes, and viewed as livestock in many municipalities…..
…..I’ve donated hundreds if not thousands to The August Fund over the years. I’ve also donated to Bethel Friends of Canines and Kenai Peninsula Animal Lovers Rescue when they have had sled dogs surrendered. I love this sport with my whole heart and will not stop advocating for the 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐄 treatment of its athletes…..
…..I will continue to use this platform to speak up for the ones who truly matter in our sport - 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬.” Humane Mushing
https://www.facebook.com/shHumane MushingcV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GSPEaCvri/?mibextid=wwXIfr