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Loading...New Code For Sled Dogs Includes How To Shoot Them
Animal rights groups are shocked over the new sled dog regulations issued by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture. Instead of protecting dogs from another massive slaughter, like the one that happened in Whistler in 2010, the new guidelines instruct owners how to “humanely shoot” unwanted animals.
The Sled Dog Code of Practice was created in response to the April 10, 2010 brutal killing of 52 sled dogs owned by Outdoor Adventures in Whistler BC. The operator claimed he was forced to massacre the dogs because his sled dog business was going bankrupt due to the economy and lack of tourists.
The new guidelines were intended to provide standards and care regulations for sled dogs, but a section titled Guidelines for shooting domestic animal species, leaves room for healthy dogs to be shot.
Diagrams in the section show how to properly position dogs for a fatal shot and written instructions are included for further guidance.
“Once the dog has relaxed, it can be taken outside, the leash secured to a solid object, and the dog offered some food. The firearm is then aimed at a point midway between the level of the eyes and the base of the ears, but slightly off to one side so as to miss the bony ridge that runs down the middle of the skull,” the guidelines state.
The Vancouver Humane Society and Lifeforce, a Vancouver based animal rights group, are appalled by the regulations.
“It’s disturbing that a document that is supposedly about animal welfare shows you how to shoot your dog,” said Peter Fricker of VHS.
“We don’t really see how this prevents something like Whistler happening again, given an operator who has a surplus of dogs and can’t find homes for them can still shoot them – even if they are healthy,” continued Fricker.
Lifeforce has called for a ban of sled dog tours and races calling them “inherently cruel.” The group hoped the new guidelines would require dogs to be euthanized by a veterinarian.
Peter Hamilton from LIfeforce said, “Killing a dog isn’t always instant. Dogs don’t always stand still.” He worries this will give operators permission to breed more dogs than needed, keep the pick-of-the-litter and kill off the unwanted animals.
Nancy Clarke, an animal science professor at the University of British Columbia, thinks the guidelines are being realistic. “There are some circumstances when you are many miles from anybody and if a dog gets badly hurt it’s less humane to keep a dog in pain and a gunshot needs to be done,” said Clarke.
It is estimated there are six sled dog operators in BC with 40 to 70 dogs and another 200 sled dogs owned by individual racers and breeders.
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Read more: animal cruelty, animal rights, animal welfare, shooting sled dogs in BC guidelines, sled dog guidelines BC, sled dogs
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Thank you for the article...
One of the things that help people cope with the heat, is the lack of air conditioning. If someone…
John M .......... Got a little problem of racial / colour prejudice John ??? Comment itself is discriminatory…
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382 comments
+ add your ownWhy not take them to a shelter? At least they would have a chance of finding a loving, forever home!!
Even euthanizing would be a more humane thing to do. Otherwise, it is totally heartless. They should never be allowed to own a dog again!!
The owners should be shot first.
If you read
http://www.care2.com/causes/new-code-for-sled-dogs-includes-how-to-shoot-them.html#comment-3263212
then please sign
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/80/help-stop-the-senseless-slaughter-of-healthy-sled-dogs-in-bc/
thank you
WTF?!
There are no unwanted animals -- but there are heartless humans. If you acquire an animal, for what ever reason, it is the absolute responsibility of that human to care for and nurture that creature. This is no more than a license to kill. We gain far more that is priceless and transformational by caring for, learning from and living in harmony with animals than by what is achieved from harming them. Animals provide the opportunity to teach us how to be better human beings.
I can not believe this..............how nasty.
Thank you to everyone who signed the petition.
Signed this necessary petition today: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/80/help-stop-the-senseless-slaughter-of-healthy-sled-dogs-in-bc/ Please follow suit!
This is disgusting I can't believe people are allowed to kill their pets. It doesn't make any sense to me.
The writers and contributors are the ones in need of instruction. Word has it that is the correct fashion and form in which to humanely shoot the "sick" anything. To me, aforementioned individuals are sicker than sick due to their deadly virtues and deadly rituals. I have absolutely no difficulty with "writing" this wrong. I have a hand with more gut and wit than those human animals. I will use it to show you. No, I do not mean slap on the wrist.
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