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Originally Posted by blakey  Facts are the dogs are bred specifically for dog racing and less then "ideal" dogs are killed as puppies. I don't care if you find a biased or non-biased source - it's cruel and shouldn't be allowed. Same as greyhound races, horse races, dog fighting, etc etc etc. |
Oh after living in Alaska for a very long time I can tell you this is true for greyhound race dogs but not ididrod dogs. Most Ididrod huskies are mutts. They are only about 20% husky. Some even come from shelters much like the rescue dogs that are nearly all shelter dogs. The dogs are the mushers best friends. When they have the opportunity to sleep inside a tent during the race they choose to sleep outside with their dogs.Some will make arrangements to sleep in the tent with the dogs. They sleep on fresh hay everynight. They are cooked hot meals at least 3 times a day. I can't remember exactally how many calories they get but its in the thousands. This is not bagged dog food but hot cooked food. Mushers also always feed their dogs first. If it comes down to who gets food the dogs will get it.They travel with bags of dog booties and salve any thing the dogs need they get. They also have doggie jackets that are never shown on air.Promoters always want it to look the worst so people have an emotional responce) When the dogs get too tired they are sent to the local prison. Only prisoners who have earned the right can take care of the dogs. They are treated like royality.
SitNews - Inmates Volunteer To Help Iditarod; Provide Care for Dropped Dogs
The musher watch their dogs carefully and if they are having trouble the dog that needs to stop will ride in the basket until he or she can be dropped at the check point. At this point they are flown to the prison. Not everything you read is true.