“Tragically, this situation is not unique, with cases of

neglect of sled dogs regularly reported in Canada.”

- Humane Society International

Photo by SPCA Laurentides-Labelle.

MONTREAL — The rescue of 97 sled dogs, living in filth and neglect and chained to the ground near Mont Tremblant, was carried out with the mutual agreement of the owner.

The deal between animal-welfare activists and the “tourist musher” was that he gives up the animals, mostly huskies, and his name and location would not be revealed.

“We had been hearing rumours about these Huskies since the summer,” said Nikolas Gour of the Humane Society International/Canada, which teamed up with the SPCA to rescue the dogs.

Two weeks ago, a local informant tipped off the SPCA as to the location of the dog sled keeper, and they entered into negotiations with him.

“The dogs were chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter,” Gour said from a shelter in Val Morin, south of Ste Agathe, about 100 kilometres north of Montreal.

The dog sled operator agreed he could no longer care for the animals and released them. It also was agreed that no attempts would be made to have him charged with neglect.

The SPCA had been feeding the dogs for the past week.

“Thirty of the dogs were pregnant and were about to give birth in the cold mud, the owner could no longer feed them properly, there was no water on site, and the dogs were filthy,” Gourd said after the last were rescued.

“They were living in dilapidated wood sheds, riddled with urine and droppings, some were close to 10 years old and blind and could not fend for themselves.”

Their chains were 150 to 300 centimetres long and some dogs had parasites, though none was sick enough to to require euthanasia.

“The dogs were incredibly friendly,” Gourd reported.

Eleven that were ready to give birth were brought to the SPCA on Monday, where nine pups were born.

Homes have been found for about 40 dogs from a Canadian waiting list, one as away far Vancouver. Those who can’t be adopted here will be sent to the United States.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the Huskies may contact the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle at 1-819-326-4059 or click on SPCALL.ca

source: The Vancouver Sun

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Photo by Luc Laforce.

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Nov. 17, 2009 (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts) – Humane Society International and the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle partnered to rescue approximately 100 neglected sled dogs in the Upper Laurentians of Quebec. The owner was unable to care properly for his dogs and released them to the care of the SPCA LL.

“This rescue will prevent the situation from getting worse: among the dogs we took in, approximately 30 females are pregnant,” said Corinne Gonzalez, executive director, SPCA LL. “Without our intervention, the owner could easily have found himself with 150 more puppies when winter is right around the corner. The SPCA LL is asking the population for financial help for part of the food and vet fees for these dogs during their stay in Val-Morin.”

Rescuers are swiftly removing the dogs and transporting them to an emergency shelter in Val-Morin, where all of the dogs will receive veterinary treatment, food, water and care. As soon as possible, the dogs will be brought to rescue groups in Canada and in the United States, where they will be sterilized and adopted into loving homes.

United Animal Nations has deployed a team of volunteers to staff the emergency shelter in cooperation with HSI and the SPCA LL.

“United Animal Nations volunteers are expert at running temporary shelters and supporting communities that become overwhelmed by a large influx of animals,” said UAN emergency services manager Janell Matthies. “They will work non-stop to give these rescued dogs clean kennels, food, water and attention like they never experienced before.”

Tragically, this situation is not unique, with cases of neglect of sled dogs regularly reported in Canada. HSI and the SPCA LL are calling upon the provincial and federal government to pass stronger animal protection laws to ensure the protection of all dogs. For sled dogs, sterilization and planning for the care of the dogs during the eight-month low season should be a priority.

Earlier this year, The Humane Society of the United States, the American partner of HSI, delivered 25,000 pounds of dog food to remote Alaskan villages to assist sled dogs and their owners affected by flooding of the Yukon River.

Humane Society International/Canada will have broadcast-quality video and photos available from this operation for viewing and download by news media outlets at video.hsus.org.

source: Humane Society International

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Photo by Luc Laforce.

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Care for these dogs is costing rescue organizations thousands. It has been reported that they require approximately two hundred pounds of dog food per day. Many also have severe medical problems which require expensive treatment. Some are infected with heartworm, a possible death sentence if treatment is not successful.

Photography by Karla Goodson/HSUS.

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!! VIEW VIDEO FOOTAGE !!

WARNING: Some viewers may find the above linked footage to be emotionally disturbing. There are graphic images including: dead sled dogs lying into a shallow depression in the ground; extremely thin and emaciated sled dog; close-ups of sled dogs with skin and eye abnormalities due to neglect; sled dogs on short, tangled chains with no food or water and dilapidated housing. Viewer discretion is advised.

ADDED 11/19/09:

ADDITIONAL VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL!

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Photo by Luc Laforce.

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WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IMAGES ARE OF DEAD SLED DOGS

It is not uncommon for sled dog mushers to simply dispose of dead dogs by throwing them in shallow pits. These pits are also often where feces and other debris are emptied. Though horrible, this practice is not specific to this case alone. I have witnessed these “dead dog pits” personally at an Iditarod champion’s kennel in Alaska. Below are photos from this recent case in Canada.

Photo by Luc Laforce.

Photo by Karla Goodson/HSUS.

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Since Wednesday, November 18th 2009, the

following number of people have visited this

blog entry to learn about the horrific lives

these sled dogs have endured: