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notehead
Supporter
Username: Notehead
Post Number: 2152
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 9:40 am: | 
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Getting away from world-altering political events for a moment...
The Iditarod sled dog race is coming up, and I am of two minds about it. This race offers as much challenge, drama, and fascination as any sporting event. But the physical stamina being tested is overwhelmingly that of the dog teams. The dogs never asked to participate (obviously), and injuries are not uncommon. Even though two 8-hour stops and one 24-hour stop are required during the race, dog deaths occur every year. These animals are bred and trained to be part of a mush team, and one might make the argument that they "want" to run these races. But is it right to push them so hard for so long for our entertainment and the bragging rights of the musher?
What do you guys think? |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 7927
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 9:56 am: |
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Sled dogs have been bred for the task for centuries to fit a need long before the Iditarod was thought of. One of the characteristics of these dogs is that they want to run and pull sleds. So to say that you can't make the arguement that they don't "want" to run is pretty weak.
As in any sport there are dangers. To be honest I hadn't thought of the deaths. However, again, you can make an arguement that horse racing is cruel for the same reasons and there is very little outcry to ban that sport. Actually, your post mentioning the injuries and occasional deaths made me think of football.
The dogs should be treated humanely. The ASPCA should monitor the event and other similar races. However, I don't think the Iditirod is synonomous cruely to animals. |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 785
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 10:09 am: |
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I have a Siberian Husky , as Bob K states there is nothing my dog Dakota would rather do than get in his harness & pull a sled . It's printed right on his genes. The Iditarod race itself was insprired by a mercy mission that these dogs preformed during a Diptheria outbreak. I beleive it would be inhumane to not run these dogs on a regular basis. |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1543
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 10:22 am: |
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They’re actually 9 days in and close to the finish.
I believe there is a huge difference with the way a Husky is treated vice a Greyhound. Not only are you competing with these dogs but they are in a way saving your life. I wouldn’t want to be stuck 100 miles from civilization with a crummy team.
You can check out the rules here http://www.iditarod.com/pdffiles/2005/2005rules.pdf penalties are pretty hard for mistreating the dogs. And every check point is manned with Vets. Also if a dog dies the body must be covered and brought to a check point. There are two stretches where musher’s are required to bring an extra allotment of food for the dogs just in case.
Interesting tidbit: You start with 16 dogs and have to finish with 5. There are 8 or so check points along the race that are designated “Dog Drops”. That’s where you leave tired, sick, or hurt dogs. The dogs are then flown to Anchorage by the Iditarod Air Force (Bunch of bush pilots). Were they are brought to the jail and cared for by inmates until the musher comes to get them.
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Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1544
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 10:28 am: |
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Update: The leaders left Checkpoint Saftey and are less the 20 miles from the finish. They are separated by 9 minutes. And should finish in under 2 hours. |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 1545
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 11:51 am: |
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Fans are lineing up.
http://nomecam.iditarod.com/netcam/nomecam.jpg |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 153
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2005 - 11:08 am: |
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I suppose it matters who you speak to. I know that PETA would think it's cruel. If anyone here supports PETA than they are showing their financial support for "TOTAL ANIMAL LIBERATION". Most people don't know but the creator and president of PETA doesn't believe that people should own ANY animal and that animals should ALL run free. The organization believes this so much that they have convicted criminals (people who have been caught bombing buildings) on their payroll. Most people don't know this about PETA, but it's true.
I love my dog, but I don't think I'm cruel for owning him. |
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