All forms of animal exploitation are relics of 19th century cultural values which, with every year that passes, are less acceptable to civilized people. Of the many ways that animals are used in sport/entertainment, dog sled racing and pit bull fighting are among the worse. The proof of the cruelty to sled dogs, from the moment they are born until they die (on the trails, at the end of their chains, or are ruthlessly culled by their owners, or euthanized - "killed en mass" at veterinary clinics which serve the sled dog industry), is so widely known that one can only assume that you as a race sponsor/supporter are aware of it, yet you choose to make money or gain popularity by supporting this cruelty, just as proponents of pit bull fighting do. You may object that you are not in the same cultural group as pit bull fighters, but in fact, you are.
The ninth year of the 21st century has begun. I urge you and all intelligent and educated people to turn your backs on 19th century cruelty. Only if you lead will the pack follow you.
Please educate yourself about the exploitation and cruelty and involved in the Yukon Quest, Iditarod, and in other sectors of the sled dog industry.
Thank you,
Judith Stone
Animal Advocates Society of BC
North Vancouver, BC
References:
http://sleddogwatchdog.com
http://www.helpsleddogs.org
http://www.lakotasong.com/sleddogs/
Copy and paste these addresses:
info@ycb.ca ; mayorcouncil@whitehorse.ca ; business@whitehorsechamber.ca ; president@yukonchamber.com ; web@cityofdawson.ca ; michael@alaskacoffeeroasting.com ; alpine@polarcom.com ; goldenhill@yknet.ca ; glainfo@hollandamerica.com ; jmacphail@klondikecopier.com ; greg@harper-street.com ; editor@northofordinary.ca ; info@yukonharley-davidson.com ; info@yukon-pump.com ; info@fullmetalminerals.com ; info@selwynresources.com ; jim.shriver@findmespot.com ; warmwear@akgear.com ; webmaster@kl7kc.com ; chenahs@polarnet.com ; john.whitehorse@fraserway.com ; info@highcountryinn.com ; staff@ncstraining.com ; info@santasstitches.com ; djcastle@petrostar.com ; sales@trademarkalaska.com ; info@westerncoppercorp.com ; mferguson@hollandamerica.com ; jporter@hollandamerica.com ; customerservice@nwtel.ca ; office@flyairnorth.com ; michael@whitepass.net ; yngc@yngc.ca ; communications@yukonenergy.ca ; aklodges@princesscruises.com ; coffee@midnight-sun-coffee.com ; edgewater@northwestel.net ; cynthia.malchow@atco.com ; manager@yes.yk.ca ; info@yukoninn.com ; info@yukonbeer.com ; vocmayor@northwestel.net ; ckrwcopy@ckrw.com ; webservicesgroup@marks.com ; info@latitudewireless.ca ; webmaster-e@transcanada.com ; star@whitehorsestar.com ; chocolateclaim@northwestel.net
Cc: elaine.taylor@gov.yk.ca ; yla@gov.yk.ca ; vacation@gov.yk.ca ; arthur.mitchell@yla.gov.yk.ca ; todd.hardy@yla.gov.yk.ca ; cbcnorth@cbc.ca ; bagnell@parl.gc.ca ; terman@volunteerbureau.yk.ca ; jim.kenyon@gov.yk.ca ; lotteriesyukon@gov.yk.ca
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 4:17 PM
Subject: Yukon Quest race is a disgrace to the human race