Is the iditarod dog sled race Animal cruelty?

Question

I have heard of cases when the dogs are racing they some time fall through the ice musher and all and the climb out but don't the husky/malamute dogs risk exposure from being wet........ And it is not uncommon for the musher to get stranded with the dogs in a sever blizzard storm ....does that not put the dogs at risk to the extremes.......And do they over run the dogs ....I HOPE I AM WRONG

THANKS ..............Rab

Answer 1

Let’s tear apart your question so you can get the whole answer.
Yes, there are a few cases where the dogs, sled, driver and all go into the water. No, the dogs will not suffer from exposure although the driver might. The driver is going to make sure the dogs are cared for before they themselves are (the dogs are the only way home). The dogs will crawl out, shake out what water they can and the driver will feed them with warm water and cooked food and literally cover them with blankets.
You have to have a food/water dish, booties, blankets and food for each dog to run in the race.
As for the severe weather, again, this is harder on the driver than the dogs... When they have to stop out in the open, the dogs will curl up into a ball with the nose under the tail and let the snow create an insulating blanket over it... it forms like a mini igloo and the dogs are quiet happy there. The driver may end up having to turn the sled on its side and get in the sled bag with a dog just to keep from freezing, as to the dog in the bag with the driver, it's a safe bet that it is probably a bit too warm for it's tastes.
I have never seen or heard of a sled running over a dog...
The way the dogs are on a gangline makes it difficult for that to happen, 1 the other dogs will pull it along and 2 the driver is going to stop the sled with the brake and set a snow hook before they let the sled run over the engine.
The dogs train year round for the race, they are in prime condition and trot at 6 to 8 mph all day long. They scoop snow when they are thirsty and the driver is going to cook the dog’s meals first before their own.
These dogs are selectively bred, not for color or beauty, mostly for toughness of feet (gritty, icy snow can shred pads that are not tough), barrel chests for good lung capacity, hearty appetites and the list goes on. The driver will eat, sleep, train and poop with the dogs for a year or two before even thinking about putting the dog in a race. The dogs are more than part of the family; they are the driver’s life line.
Just wanted to add about the foot toughness... they get booties on their feet, either fleece or tough nylon to keep from tearing up the pads. They also train a lot of miles which toughen the pads, just like when you go bare foot all the time, the soles of you feet form calluses to protect themselves, so do the dogs.
Most sled dogs are miserable above 40 or 45 degrees F and would rather be at 0 and running than anywhere else.
They day after the race, the dogs are pampered and treated like the kings and queens that they are and the following day they are up running around like puppies again.
The driver on the other hand, will spend weeks just trying to recoup the weight, and energy they lost.
Go to www.iditarod.com to learn more about the race.
There are strict rules and safety measures that must be met.
THere are vet checks and stop offs, and check ins along the race route to make sure all is as safe as it can be.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Rab -
I have been in Fairbanks Alaska since the mid 60's and unless you can spend a season with a dog team - you JUST DO NOT KNOW!!!

These Dogs are born to run - Yes they love it and are so happy pulling a sled, rather going on a quick 20 mile run or a 500 mile run. You need to get up with & be around these dogs to understand the ""TRUE"" meaning of Dog Mushing.

When you do hear of dogs falling thru Ice and into the water - it is RARE due the the path is normally ran down by snow machines.

We have a river right thru town and just out of town there is a ICE BRIDGE that can save a driver 20+ minutes driving - WHY EVER YEAR folks try to drive over the river with Bright Orange Flags & Such saying * THIN ICE - DO NOT DRIVE ON" but every year at least one or two IDIOTS than can not read - Test's the Ice & Guess what ? Thru the Ice they go!!!

I have to speak on what I know, what I have seen & done in the past 30+ yrs The Dogs in Races up here throughtout Alaska get * MORE * Pampered than the People/ Mushers do.


I GUESS THE ANSWER IS ?
Animal Cruelty ?

IF you could spend just 7 days up here in Alaska with a Real Dog Team / Musher - I am sure you would NEVER ask that Question.

These Dogs LOVE To Run & Run & Run

BTW: I am sure if you know of anyone making Dog Booties
ANY Musher up here will GLADLY Take 100 pair or so

So Get Your Dog Team in their Harness and -- YELL OUT
TEAM - HA ............... AND Your OFFFFFFFFFF

For the **BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE **

Answer 3

The dogs used in the Iditarod are working dogs that are native to the conditions found there in the Yukon. They have a special fur that keeps them warm and sheds water if they do become wet. Survival of the dogs is paramount in winning the race and so the mushers take very good care of their dogs. They receive special food and care during training for the race and especially during the race. There are designated checkpoints alone the trail where the dogs are checked by a vet. The race is a tribute to the dogs and the mushers who made survival in the Yukon possible back in the day by delivering mail and supplies during the rough winter months.
If a dog quits pulling the musher takes him and places him inside the sled. I would not think they would ever be run over by the sled.
In my opinion the dogs love pulling the sled or they would not do so ..so no it is not cruelty.

Answer 4

have you ever seen a sled dog right before being hitched to a sled? the go NUTS. why? because the LIVE to pull that sled. the love it.
mushers have absolute respect for their dogs. they make sure before and during breaks in the race, that every dog is dry, fed, and that their paws look in good order. the mushers feed their dogs before they feed themselves. and if need be *like falling through the ice* they will put the injured dog on the sled and get him help immediately!
these dogs were bred in VERY cold climates, take a husky/malamute sled dog out of the winter environment they are used to and it's like taking a whale out of water!
they have very strict rules for the Iditarod. NO musher would be allowed to NOT make sure their dogs where in the best of health.

they do not over run the dogs. the dogs are bred for LONG distance trekking at a good pace. they take frequent breaks. and during a storm they take shelter until it passes.

http://www.iditarod.com/

Answer 5

I would have to say no. Not only are the dogs more suitable for the temperatures and the exposure but they love to do it. It's not like they are whipped till they run, they run from a very young age, it is what they do. The musher gets as much exposure if not more then they do and if they go down so does he. If a dog is lost then it is not like they move on, these dogs are their family.

Answer 6

The owners of those dogs have a very close relationship with them. Their lives depend on it. The dogs are fed the best food and in better shape than most other dogs will ever be. The dogs love what they do. It's a crazy race and not for me but I don't think I would say it is animal cruelty. Many dogs will run until it is no longer a safe thing to do (and suffer exhaustion, heat stroke etc.) there are strict guidlines and manditory rest breaks to help prevent animal injuries.

Answer 7

The dogs are bred to live in such extreme temperatures, they are much more able to handle it then the people. Might put the people at risk, but the dogs would be just fine. Good sled dogs are priceless to the owners and get very good care.

The dogs are highly conditioned athletes, much like my breed. You don't let them sleep on the couch for months and then take them out for a long run one day. They work almost every day until they are in prime condition. So no, they are not over run.

Not to mention, the dogs LOVE it!

P -They are NOT whipped. A whip is a CUE! I use a whip when roundpenning my horse, I don't WHIP her with it!

Answer 8

Dogs have been raised and bred throughout the ages to aide humans in doing certain tasks. A dog not only enjoys doing what they were bred to do, but they live for it. It is joyous to see dog and human working as a team. I am not saying that there are not cruel owners in every animal sport but hopefully most have the proper amount of respect an awe for what their animals can do. Actually the musher puts his/her life in the hands of the dogs. They usually take very good care of them.

Answer 9

No, it's not cruelty. Most owners/racers take extremely great care of their dogs...their own life depends on them. Most of the weight they pull is their own food. The dogs are bred for mushing and working. They have special coats and don't feel the cold or wet like we do...I have seen many specials about those great dogs...cruelty would be for them to be hot and bored in Florida. Check out Breed all about it!

Answer 10

The iditarod is the closest monitored animal event in the world. Of one gets the dog equivalent of a hang nail it is pulled from the race.

IMHO of course, but the dog that has no life other than the couch is the one that is abused.