Salmo Sled Dogs

2009

After multiple complaints to the BC SPCA that were brought to the attention of AAS in late 2008, we were told in February 2009 that the dog houses are now raised off the ground. Read complaints to BC SPCA below.

BC SPCA POLICY STATEMENT

Approved April 2001

#29 - DOG SLEDDING-MUSHING

The BC SPCA believes that Sled Dog Racing must be carried out under standard rules that are strictly enforced, with management guidelines that guarantee the animals will receive responsible care and humane treatment. The Society is committed to working with ISDRA and other legitimate dog sledding organizations to ensure the welfare and humane treatment of these dogs.

COMMENT:

The competitive nature of the sport demands agility, speed and endurance of the animals. The intense competition and test of endurance can lead to stresses or injuries that raise welfare concerns. Individual preferences by mushers in the breeding, rearing, feeding, housing and training of the dogs must all practice humane care and handling at every stage of the animal's development.

The welfare of the dogs used in the sport may be compromised by, among other things: indiscriminate breeding; substandard housing; tethering (short chains); questionable feeding regimes leading to malnourishment (to produce lean animals); lack of exercise; racing ill, injured or fatigued animals; stimulative drugs; extreme endurance competition or training; cramped space (in transit); and cruel disciplining.

  • Mushing, dog sledding, sled dog racing: interchangeable
  • Tethering: see BC SPCA Policy Statement #27
ISDRA: International Sled Dog Racing Association
Sent: Friday, December 26, 2008 12:06 PM
Subject: Question regarding BC SPCA policy on dog mushing/sled dog racing industry
Hello: I would appreciate receiving a policy statement regarding your organization's views of the dog mushing and sled dog racing industry, especially in light of the BC SPCA accepting charity money from sled dog race(s) in BC earlier this year.
Strictly from an animal welfare perspective, let alone an animal RIGHTS perspective, your organization should in no way sanction an industry in which so much ill-treatment of dogs is common (chaining, culling/killing, forcing dogs to race in order to gain money or provide entertainment for racing industry participants and fans).
Please take time to educate yourselves about the cruelty and exploitation involved in the sled dog industry.
Terry Cumming
Sled Dog Watchdog Advocacy Group
Whitehorse, Yukon
 
 No answer from the BC SPCA except the "Five Freedoms" auto-reply:

From: "info@spca.bc.ca "
To: admin@sleddogwatchdog.com
Sent: Friday, December 26, 2008 12:05:36 PM
Subject: Thank you for contacting the BC SPCA


Thank you for contacting the BC SPCA.

Due to the volume of requests we receive, it may take some time for us to respond. In the meantime you may find the answer to your question on our FAQ page or by doing a search at http://www.spca.bc.ca - if you are looking for adoptable animals visit SPCA Adoption Branches.

Our Charter

Whereas: the world is inhabited by many species sharing a common ecosystem of air, earth, & water. We recognize & value our interconnectedness with all animals. Therefore, the BC SPCA is dedicated to protecting & enhancing the quality of life for the animals of the world we share. We pledge our energies to inspire & mobilize society to create a world in which all animals, who depend on humans for their well being, experience, as a minimum, 5 essential freedoms:

1. Freedom from hunger & thirst
2. Freedom from pain, injury, & disease
3. Freedom from distress
4. Freedom from discomfort
5. Freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being

See also:
Whistler Sled Dogs
Seymour Sled Dogs
SPCA-Gawthorn
www.sleddogwatchdog.com