Mushing is built on exploitation (Whitehorse Star, Feb 11/11)
Killing dogs (and other non-humans) is legal; it’s how the killing is undertaken that the law is concerned with. You see, the mushing industry is built on the exploitation and killing of dogs.
As long as it is done “humanely”, it’s OK to kill your dog and/or someone else’s dog with their permission. The government has no problem with exploiting and killing other creatures – it is a major supporter.
“The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF; http://www.aldf.org) is offering a $1,000 US reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone engaged in the illegal killing of sled dogs in the U.S. or Canada (Star letters, Feb. 4).
I find it concerning that the ALDF does not express a concern with sled-dogs, so long as it is done legally. I wonder: how many dogs are killed “legally” in the U.S. and Canada?
If the animal welfare groups and the government are serious about the humane treatment of dogs (and other creatures), they should abolish the use of these animals instead of using words like “humane” when supporting the exploitation of nonhumans.
No more public money for Yukon dog races, which I see as chattel slavery.
Also, the media should stop promoting and supporting the exploitation and killing of animals.
For the animals!
Mike Grieco, Whitehorse