The cause of death for the dog belonging to Ramy Brooks has yet to be determined, but it is likely that her death was a direct result of being forced to run too far too fast. Brooks reportedly beat his team after they lay down on an ice field and refused to go any further. Iditarod apologists describe the beatings as “spankings,” but this euphemism implies that the dogs had done something to deserve being whacked with a stick (and kicked and punched, as some witnesses allege), when in all likelihood they were simply too exhausted to go any further.
Shockingly, Alaska State Troopers, when asked by PETA to investigate the beatings, refused, saying that “by our statutes” the abuse “doesn’t warrant an investigation.” There is something desperately wrong with Alaska’s cruelty laws if beating exhausted dogs isn’t illegal. In fact, the Iditarod itself would be illegal in most of the lower 48 states, which have laws that bar “overworking” and “overdriving” animals. It’s high time that Alaska entered the 21st century and stopped turning animal abuse into a competitive sport.
Jennifer O’Connor writes for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.HelpingAnimals.com.
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