SPCA Benefits From Dog Sledding Race

2009


The Animal Advocates Society WatchDog News

Sled dog race raises money for Quesnel and Williams Lake SPCAs *LINK*

JACK GAWTHORN MEMORIAL SLED DOG RACE  run under ISDRA sanctioning rules and guidelines.

Cariboo Challenge 2008 Saturday in 108 Mile
January 17, 2008

The Cariboo Challenge 2008 Jack Gawthorn Memorial Sled Dog Race starts Saturday at the Hills Health Ranch at 108 Mile House.

Local sled dog racers Bruce and Marla Young will be competing against some of the best sled dog teams in the world. CRD chair Jon Wolbers and Mayor Scott Nelson.

Wolbers and Nelson will be competing in the Mayors Challenge against Mayors from Wells, Quesnel, 100 Mile House, and Clinton.

The mayors and Wolbers have been raising money for the event and the money raised will be donated to the SPCA. The Mayors Race begins at noon on Saturday. 

http://aaswatchdog.com/cgi-bin/watchdog.pl/noframes/read/18197


---- Original Message -----
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. [http://aaswatchdog.com/cgi-bin/watchdog.pl/noframes/read/18167 ]
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 SPCA except for 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 http://www.spca.bc.ca/adoption/branches.asp.

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


 

But we did find this BC SPCA Dog Sledding-Mushing Policy Statement from 2001

        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

See also:
Whistler Sled Dogs
Salmo Sled Dogs
Seymour Sled Dogs
www.sleddogwatchdog.com