Summary
People often ask us if dog sledding is cruel. We admit, we didn’t know a lot about dog sledding and had our doubts about how dogs react to pulling people on sleds before we ever did it. Do dogs really like mushing? Are they happy? What steps are taken to ensure the animals’ welfare on a dog sledding tour? We are going to answer these questions and delve into the nitty-gritty to understand if dog sledding is indeed cruel.
Sled Dogs in Greenland
While visiting Greenland, our hearts broke as we walked through “Dogville” in Ilulissat. The town has a population of 4500 people, and nearly as many dogs were chained up outside of town. It was terrible to witness these dogs sitting outside on a short tether with no shelter. As we learned more, we felt even worse about the plight of the Greenland sled dog.
In Greenland, sled dogs are caught in a situation where modernization and the displacement of indigenous people have nearly eliminated their traditional uses. When these dogs, once active members of the community for hunting and travel, now face confinement; approximately 2,100 dogs are chained to stakes on the town’s outskirts when not in use. Like many, we initially approached the dogsledding industry with skepticism.
Consequently, we took the opportunity to visit Haliburton, Ontario, and spend time with Winterdance and their team of sled dogs to learn more about the life of their working and racing dogs.
Dogsledding in Canada
We met Tanya McCready and Hank DeBruin at their log cabin in Haliburton, where their kennels are situated right on their property. Tanya and Hank acquired their first husky more than 20 years ago when they married, and they instantly fell in love with dogs. Over the years, their dog family grew to include 150 purebred Siberian Huskies, dedicated to running dogsled tours throughout the winter season. Moreover, Hank has competed in the renowned Iditarod and the challenging Yukon Quest with his exceptional team of dogs.
Their Siberian Huskies are known as the most beautiful team on the circuit!
Winterdance Dogsledding Haliburton, Ontario
As we toured their kennels, we felt uplifted, unlike our experience in Greenland. The Winterdance team works diligently to provide love and care for their dogs. Hank noted, “Everyone who works for Winterdance stays for a long time.” It’s clear that the staff is passionate about their work; whenever new members join, they become like family.
We could see the camaraderie amongst all team members, as they enthusiastically cleared snow off various structures. One of them expressed, “There’s no place I’d rather be today.” They were all eager to accompany Hank on an overnight run to keep an eye out for moose, even after a long day of work.
As we entered the kennels, we were delighted to find spacious kennels for each dog. They are provided with high-quality food and daily opportunities to roam freely in a large yard. A city dog would envy this level of care and running space!
Furthermore, the dogs’ working schedule ensures ample rest. They have days off, yet when other groups of dogs run without them, the left-behind dogs express their discontent. We discovered that these dogs genuinely love to run!
Dogs Can’t Wait to Get in the Truck
It was exhilarating to observe the dogs’ excitement as Hank’s truck filled with kennels arrived. They eagerly lined up, resembling school children ready for their bed, knowing the truck signaled a long run ahead.
Animal Cruelty in the Dog Sled Industry
We inquired about a heartbreaking incident in Whistler after the Winter Olympics when a company slaughtered its dogs due to economic downturns. Hank and Tanya expressed their disbelief and sadness at such actions. “The dogsledding community is close-knit,” they explained, “and if anyone is in trouble, the entire community comes together to support them.”
Sadly, as in all aspects of life, a few bad apples can exist within any community. There are always individuals who act unethically, and this particular company was an unfortunate example.
We have previously followed the dogsledding scene and were well-aware of many passionate mushers in North America. During our travels in Alaska, we met the legendary mushers Lance Mackey and Jeff King, who, like Hank and Tanya, exhibited a profound respect and love for their dogs.
Sled Dogs Love to Run
Our love for animals, and specifically dogs, motivated us to reflect on the harsh reality faced by thousands of dogs living in shelters, on the streets, or being euthanized yearly. The mushers we’ve encountered are dedicated to their dogs’ well-being, often providing far better living conditions than many urban pets. Many dogs are confined in small spaces, while sled dogs enjoy the freedom of open spaces and the exhilaration of running.
Having grown up with a Husky, I can attest to the need for dogs like these to roam freely. Although there were missed days, our dog would return home, often covered in scents from her adventures. Dave briefly owned a Husky as a child, and despite the best intentions, the constraints of city living led to behavioral issues, ultimately resulting in the dog being given to a farm.
Dogsledding Huskies indeed experience the best of both worlds; they receive the love and attention they need while enjoying ample opportunities to run.
Dogs Are Like Children to Hank and Tanya of Winterdance
Throughout our stay in Haliburton, we learned a lot by simply observing the dogs’ behavior. Watching them interact with Hank and his guides resembled toddlers being picked up for playtime. The dogs would romp around joyfully, wagging their tails and barking with enthusiasm, only to settle down contentedly once they were in the arms of their caregivers.
Once hooked up to the sleds, their eagerness was palpable; they would pull against their restraints while waiting for the entire team to be readied. The closer they got to takeoff, the more energized they became.
Their excitement is contagious, boosting the energy of everyone around. You know you are anticipating an amazing day on the trails. As the barking swells, you quickly jump onto the sled, ready to join the adventure, holding on as they prepare to take off. When you finally release the brake, they transition from excitement to focused running.
Dog Deaths in Races
Hank’s participation in the Iditarod and Yukon Quest has been an insightful experience, and his commitment to the dogs’ health and welfare is evident. He tends to them diligently, feeding them during the night and ensuring they have straw to sleep on while regularly checking their paws. These dogs are genuinely his family.
Nonetheless, dog fatalities in sled racing have raised considerable ethical concerns, leading to significant media attention. Reports of dog deaths during races, caused by various issues such as heart attacks or dehydration, have sparked debate over animal welfare and veterinary care during these events.
Moreover, there have been instances of abuse by some racers. Such individuals should be held accountable and banned from the sport.
This ongoing debate highlighted the ethical treatment of animals in sports and has led many to scrutinize the morality and future viability of such events.
While I don’t endorse forcing dogs to race, one must also consider the treatment of animals in other competitive fields, like horse racing. This raises questions about the consistency of our values regarding animal welfare.
The Ethics of Dog Sledding
Over time, dog handlers have made significant efforts to correct unethical practices in dog sledding. While it has taken high-profile incidents to spotlight the need for better standards, progress is evident. First and foremost, ethical dog sledding companies prioritize the welfare of their animals, providing them with love, comfortable living conditions, and ample opportunities to run.
Watching the dogs interact during activities is joyful; their excited tails wagging and playful posturing illustrate how much they cherish their roles. When sledders express, “My dogs love to run,” their words resonate with sincerity.
If you pause to adjust your gear while on the run, the dogs will look back at you, seemingly asking, “What are you doing?” They are eager to continue their journey! They genuinely love to run, and should you get the chance to try dogsledding, we highly recommend it.
History of Dog Sledding
Dog sledding boasts a rich history, dating back thousands of years across various cultures. Evidence of this practice emerges as far back as 2000 BCE in regions like Siberia, Northern Canada, and Greenland. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, dogsledding proved to be a vital means of transportation during gold rushes.
Moreover, sled dogs hold historical significance in public health. In 1925, a diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska, was contained thanks to a series of mushers and sled dogs who transported antitoxin serum over 700 miles in harsh winter conditions, an event now celebrated as the “Great Race of Mercy.” This moment inspired the iconic Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.
Experience firsthand how joyful and enthusiastic dogs are on the trails. Our skepticism dissolved during our time at Winterdance. However, it’s crucial to choose your dogsledding company wisely. Be a responsible tourist and conduct thorough research; not all companies prioritize animal welfare equally.
For those interested in experiencing a dogsledding adventure in Ontario, consider visiting the Winterdance website.
