I recently visited relatives in Wisconsin and was shown a picture that accompanied an article in the 2007 Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel concerning the annual Waukesha "Janboree" that includes a "dog pull" event with Alaskan Huskies pulling weighted sleds. THIS EVENT IS SCHEDULED AGAIN THIS YEAR FOR THE WEEKEND OF JANUARY 19, 2008. This "event" involves a SINGLE dog pulling a wagon on the ground (not snow/ice), and weights are added as the dog successfully completes each round of this competition. The picture in the Journal-Sentinel depicted a dog attempting to pull a sled weighing 1,300+ pounds with onlookers seemingly enjoying this. The dog is depicted in total agony and cannot move except sideways in an attempt to please its "handler" and pull 1,300+ pounds to win the competition. I guess if the dog drops dead trying to engage in this stupidity, that's fine, too -- who's the wiser if the dog has to be put down after this "competition." I have been informed by the Waukesha County Humane Society and animal officers with the Waukesha County Sheriff's department this is not a reportable offense because the "handler" is not touching the dog or forcing the dog to participate. The rationale I was given is it is better than making dogs fight!!!!!!! Huskies may be bred to pull sleds but not to die trying or be internally injured for a prize of DOG FOOD!
I would ask that you look at the picture from last year and tell me if that dog (and others who photos were not taken) are suffering and/or enjoying themselves, as those idiots with the Humane Society and Sheriff's department claim.
What is wrong with Wisconsin people? I cite to Michael Vick here -- we southern folks put degenerates like Vick in jail! Makes me ashamed to think I was born/raised in Wisconsin if you have so little to do that this is a sporting event all over the state! I vote the 1,300+ pound sled and harness be put on the handler and the "competition" involve the "handler" engaging in the "sport" of hauling 1,300 pounds. Most likely the "handler" weighs more than the dog and would at least have a choice in the matter.
Please help these poor animals despite the representations of the Humane Society and Sheriff's department that the dogs are willing participants and this is not cruelty to animals.
If this isn't animal cruelty, I don't know what is!
I would ask that you look at the picture from last year and tell me if that dog (and others who photos were not taken) are suffering and/or enjoying themselves, as those idiots with the Humane Society and Sheriff's department claim
I searched the web and could not come up with any pictures of the 'pull's. But I did however find the results from last year's pulls that shows each dog, how much they weigh, and how much they pulled in case you are interested in seeing this information.
I saw a pull years ago. The husky's body was so strained while pulling she defecated mid-pull and kept on going. It seemed really brutal, like she had no control over her body because she was so focused on the pull. Dogs do what you tell them, of course they're going to go all out for their owner at the expense of their own health.
I understand sled dogs; there are many dogs pulling one sled so the load is distributed. I think it's sick to stress a dog that way for sport.
Last year at a festival, I watched when a man would strain to lift up the front of a car over and over trying to outbeat the others, lifting somewhere around 500-600 pounds. It was really awful to watch these men strain so much that once they were done they would either fall to their knees, stumble away aided by someone, faces wet with sweat, eyes glazed over, all their muscles and veins would be popping out everywhere. The only thing here is the fact that these men could stop. They could stop anytime they felt they could go no further. They also had the intellengence (at least I would hope) to understand why they were doing this and entered into the contest on their own free will.
Dogs don't have these choices. They are loyal and trained to do what their 'master' wants and will give their all even if it means harming themselves.
This is so sad that not only this is allowed but so many people think it is entertainment and cities actually set these 'pull's' up as a part of a festival. I for one hope I never have to watch something like this.
They've recently been running PSA's in my area that shelter dogs make better pets because they are "wiser", etc.. I can see where rehoming fees are somewhat necessary but I think more animals would be adopted if rehoming fees were voluntary or based on income.
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