100 healthy sled dogs slaughtered in Whistler, B.C.

Someone outraged by the slaughter of 100 healthy sled dogs in Whistler, B.C. has threatened to take vigilante action, prompting police to open another criminal investigation.

CTV British Columbia: Sarah Galashan reports

The B.C. SPCA says that it will have enough evidence to recommend criminal charges against a man who slaughtered 100 healthy sled dogs without digging up the mass grave where they were buried.

Canada AM: Jaime Hargreaves on the slaughter

A member of Canadian Snowmobile Adventures says a retired dog is not an animal to get rid of, but rather still part of the family and can become pets. She says the standards of the industry should be under better review.

CTV National News: Rob Brown on the cruelty

An investigation is underway into a horrifying act of animal cruelty. Up to 100 sled dogs were slaughtered near Whistler, B.C., last April, after a post-Olympic tourist boom failed to materialize.

CTV British Columbia: Kent Molgat reports

The close-knit B.C. sled dog industry says businesses do not regularly kill healthy animals. Some people who work in the industry say their job is a 'labour of love' and are disgusted by what happened to the 100 slaughtered dogs.

CTV Calgary: Kevin Rich explains

A Canmore company is distancing themselves from the company connected to the sled dog slaughters, saying they sold their interest to that company.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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An official of the SPCA in British Columbia says word of a mass slaughter of sled dogs in Whistler last April 21 and 23 warrants a criminal investigation. Traditional sled dogs run in the gang line near Churchill, Man. on Hudson Bay, Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. Jan. 31 2011 9:32 PM ET

Warning: This story contains details that may be disturbing to some readers

The SPCA in British Columbia along with the RCMP are investigating a report that a Whistler tour company slaughtered 100 healthy sled dogs last year after business slowed and new homes could not be found for the animals.

Staff. Sgt. Steve LeClair, of Whistler RCMP, confirmed his detachment has opened a file, but said the primary investigator on the case will be the SPCA.

Marcie Moriarty, general manager for cruelty investigations with the BC SPCA, tells ctvbc.ca that the investigation was launched after a worker at Outdoor Adventures Whistler filed a claim with the Worker's Compensation Board of B.C. (WorkSafeBC) for post-traumatic stress, after being ordered to kill dozens of dogs.

Moriarty said the report suggests the slaughter was conducted over three days last April. The worker said he was ordered to carry out the cull after business slowed following the 2010 Olympic Games.

In the documents, the worker describes a dog that survived a shot to the face: "Its eye was hanging off, and it was still running around," Moriarty told ctvbc.ca. Another apparently dead dog was dumped into the mass grave, but the worker later noticed the animal trying to pull itself out.

The documents also said the man ran out of ammunition at one point and had to use a knife to kill an aggressive dog.

"By that point he wanted nothing more than to stop the ‘nightmare' but he continued because he had been given a job to finish," the documents said.

"He stated that he felt ‘numb.'"

The worker's name has not been released but the man's lawyer said it was "the worst experience (the man) could ever have imagined."

"He was essentially told to figure out a way to make (the business) more cost effective. They just had to have less dogs. So he did everything he could finding homes for them, having them adopted, every which way that he could," lawyer Cory Steinberg told CKNW.

The worker was successful in his claim for compensation and is still in therapy.

The legalities

Moriarty said it's technically legal to shoot an animal, as long as it dies instantly. "That most certainly did not happen in this instance," she said.

She added that lethal injections supervised by a veterinarian would have been the more humane way to cull the dogs.

She said the SPCA will now have to dig up the mass grave to complete its investigation.

Outdoor Adventures Whistler did not contest the report detailed in the WorkSafeBC documents, except to note that 100 were actually destroyed rather than the 70 dogs that the worker claimed in his report.

Graham Aldcroft, a spokesman for Outdoor Adventures Whistler says the sled dog cull was "tragic and regrettable."

But he noted that Outdoor Adventures Whistler had only a financial stake in the company that actually conducted the sled dog tours, called Howling Dog Tours. He says the worker who made the WorkSafe BC claim had full operational control of Howling Dog.

"While we were aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dog Tours, we were completely unaware of the details of the incident until reading the... document Sunday," Aldcroft said in a statement.

He noted that Outdoor Adventures Whistler took over control of Howling Dogs in May, after the reported dog cull, and said it is now company policy that animals needing to be euthanized are treated at a vet's office.

The Vancouver Humane Society is calling for a ban on sled dog tours following reports of the mass killing.

VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker said his human society has seen the WorkSafeBC documents.

"The details of how these dogs were killed are absolutely shocking," said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker.

"This is what happens when animals are exploited for profit and become surplus to requirements when business is bad."

Many other dog-sled tour operators issued statements Monday to distance themselves from what happen in Whistler.

Comments are now closed for this story

Rescue volunteer
said
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Mervin has a point that Huskies make challenging "pets". They have needs that must be met, but they are the perfect dogs for some families.
The big issue here is dignity and respect. These hard working dogs did not receive either when they were murdered. Every living thing deserves to be honoured with a humane and controlled "end" to their lives. I have heard some awful abuse stories, but am appalled by this one.

CA
said
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This is sick!!!! The guy who was ordered to kill the dogs should have walked away what was it worth?!!! I hope someone shoots out their eye and they walk around with it hanging out of their face!! They can feel soooo much like a person! Karma will come back I can guarantee that!!! And it won't be pretty....

Jodi
said
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How hard did they really try to find the dog's homes. If the situation would have hit the news that these dogs were in trouble to begin with I be that every single one would have been adopted. I live in Saskatchewan and I know that my family would have taken one. Such a sad story, That worker should ave quit his job instead of participating in such an event.

David
said
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This truly breaks my heart. I had a Siberian Husky for 12 years that I had to put down after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She was such a good dog and this story really makes me sick. I hope those responsible will be brought to justice. What a disgrace....

Tracy
said
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It's sad to be a part of the human race.

URU
said
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@Eve....This article is NOT about children, its about animals. You're confusing yourself with people and dogs. This is what happens when uneducated people like you mis-read and mis-lead people.This is ABOUT ANIMALS.

MJ
said
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I love dogs and one of the hardest things I've ever done is put one of my dogs down this past October after complications from surgery. However, dogs are animals, yet not people. Owning animals comes with responsibilities yet that ownership does not extend rights to animals. As long as the dogs were euthanized in an appropriate manner, the right to do so is the owner of the dogs alone. It might be distasteful, but society and rule of law are sure to be eroded if rights are naturalized to animals. While I don't agree with the decision, I support the owner's right to do so.

Karen
said
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After reading about the dog trying to get out of the grave I put my hand over my mouth. I was shocked and DISGUSTED on how the way these poor INNOCENT dogs were treated. How could someone SO SICK do this is beyond me. I have no other words on how to describe this horrible disgusting behaviour towards these POOR dogs. This is just WRONG! The person or Person's responsible for this are MASS MURDERES AND SHOULD BE THROWN IN JAIL AND BE SHOT IN THE FACE IMMEDIATELY and left to die.

Cathy
said
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the person/persons responsible for these abhorrent acts should be jailed immediately. There is NO acceptable reason for taking the lives of precious treasures. For God's sakes, offer the dogs up for adoption - that would be the humain thing to do. SPCA and RCMP get these humans responsible and lock them away.Cathy

Kenzie
said
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I was very sad to hear about these dogs. I would have taken one of them in had I ever heard that there were dogs looking for homes. My only comment to this story is that the reporters need to get their info right or at least inform viewers that the Howling dogs tours was strictly the one in BC which was operating under a different name. When I first saw this story I wanted to start crying. Last year I went on a dog sled tour with Howling dog tours. This company runs out of Canmore. They were amazing and took such good care of their dogs. I was very impressed with them. This company in BC has nothing to do with the one in Canmore.

Annie
said
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Those with ONLY financial commitments will do those crazy things. The originals owners who started the company (not the guy who later purchased it and under whose direction the dogs died), those owners loved their dogs and raised several of them in their own yard every year, for their 2 kids to name and pet and play with; they even kept an older female as their own pup, long after her running career was over. Yes they are dog lovers.

Banffer
said
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Howling Dog is operated in canmore Albertayou operate a company that is to protect animalsyour a disgusting disgrace as a tour operator.if you are a dog lover you may think twiceabout recommending this company to any onetheir still operating in Banff Alberta Howling Dog Tours 1.403.678.9588

Bob Corner
said
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The people that did this should be going to prison.

Realistic Northerner
said
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Wake up, city folks! Sled dogs are NOT pets. You don't want one in your house- ever.That's why they were put down. Guess what happens in many far northern communities when the snow is gone?Are you going to feed 100 dogs loads of meat daily out of your own pocket, or are you going to turn them loose in the District of Whistler (like what happens on most reserves? Or is it best to just shoot them?Sure, the optics are terrible, but had to be done.Move on. Enough already.

Karen Barker
said
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Not shocking at all. Do you honestly think that these businesses care at all fot these animals? They are just items to use to bring in money. Any one who frequents a business like this has blood on their hands too. This is along the same lines as the Iditarod. People keep supporting that too, despite the overwhelming evidence that the dogs are used and abused. Some people just don't care.

Toby
said
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I helped out with a rescue in Quebec that rescued over 100 sled dogs. There are organizations that would have helped these dogs. They did not have to be killed.

khaymen
said
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I think he should have a death sentence.

Karl
said
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no one has a problem with the mass killing of ugly animals, (such as that type of river rat that they use for fir now) but as soon as we kill the cute fluffy ones we all cry.

A different Anne
said
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To the other Anne: we took in a four year old retired sled dog several years ago, one of the best pets we ever had and we miss him dearly. Who are you to judge whether they would make a good pet just because they take more work than a goldfish?We know many people in our area who have taken in sled dogs and would have jumped at the chance to give a good home to one of these dogs including us.Of course there are times that animals must be put down but calling in the humane society to assist with placement or euthanize is the right way to do it. This person was clearly inexperienced with guns and how to kill an animal like most people these days.Animals for entertainment is archaic, it should be done away with. Laws should be created that unless you have a licence to breed your pet MUST be fixed. Penalties for violators should be harsh; less animals less opportunity for things like this to happen in the first place.

Kim S.
said
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This is the most dog-friendly city in Canada. This is where most dog owners have adopted a dog from the SPCA. This is where we treat our dogs like our children. How did this happen right under our noses. Whoever gave this the ok, needs to leave Whistler/Vancouver and go to a place with starkly different values. Even if these dogs were euthanized "properly", I would still be completely shocked and disgusted at this business practice.

Darlene
said
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This makes me physically sick to my stomach. And to find out that some of the dogs were still alive after being shot. Oh my word what a very very sick person for persons who did this. This person that is suing for post stress, I hope your good and sick I hope this haunts you for the rest of your life. You were in a position to stop this and you did nothing. YOU are just as guilty and I think you should also be charged. It is so easy for humans to just kill an animal for what!!!!!!!!
All you cared about is the ole mighty buck. You make me SICK!!!!!! I hope you all go to jail for a long long time.
One day you will have to answer to a higher court for this. I hope you are prepared with your reason's why.
I can't stop crying because of this disgusting story. Please Canadian government and Courts please make an example out of this story to all people that torture and cruilty will NOT be tollerated.

I have 7 throw away animals and I love them more than I love myself, I put them before myself and it will always be that way.
Those poor dogs.

Don K
said
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To Really?: People have a choice to work/live in Egypt (and last time I checked they were being flown out).... the dogs in question did NOT have a choice to "work" for this company nor did they have a chioce to be shot in the face or buried alive in a mass grave. To the person who actually shot the dogs and is now claiming compensation; life is about choice and you chose poorly and should be punished along with everyone else. To the owners of the company who allegedly made this decision; there is a special circle of hell reserved for people like you. I am going to hug my 3 dogs especially hard tonight when I get home.

doug4711
said
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If this story is true, then these cold blooded murderers must be held to account and punished to the limit of the law (and ideally beyond).How can these people have the gall to live among us?Beyond Shameful!!Doug in Toronto

Michel
said
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How can man take care of his own if he can't even take care of animals? It is not suprising since history has shown that 'Man has dominated man to his injury'
It's a sad statement, but true.

BJ-upseting
said
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As far as sled dogs,they are bred to be sled dogs.
With this,I'm very upset.
Up north these dogs are needed.
There is a half, a dozen people out there who would like these dogs.
I for one, I have two dogs of my own that got saved from death row.
You guys at the SPCA charge to much, to have a animal.
The farmers enjoy having dogs and cats to keep the pest away.
But can't afford those prices.
The farmers and people in the NWT,would love to have these animals if they were free.

I hope the SPCA get their license pulled,and charge a very heft fine for each dog that was slaughter or animal.
All the SPCA should get reviewed.

rio
said
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I'm only 12 and this must be the worlds most horrific thing that human kind can do. I have a dog and I know what kind of bond dogs and humans get and whoever did this can not be human! We as human kind can not do deeds like this, to animals or any living thing. If you have done this please tell the police and accept the punishment you will receive.

MC
said
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*Ban dog sled tours!* *The outrage* *How could they!!!*

Talk about a collective knee jerk reaction. Do I feel bad for the dogs? For sure. Do I feel bad for the employee? Maybe a little, but he didn't HAVE to do what he did.
Personally 100 sled dogs would be very hard to rehome. Most people commenting really have no idea what those dogs are like. They are NOT house or back yard dogs at all. Yes chemical euthanasia would have probably been better, however a bullet to the head is probably better than being turned loose to starve to death. Sounds like the guy wasn't really qualified to be putting anything down though.

Glenn C
said
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This is something that just should not have happened!!! Everyone should have been informed that (one of) these animals was up for adoption. This did not need to happen. The cowards that allowed this to happen should be taken to task on it. Hard to believe that this could happen in this day and age, shame on those heartless (can't print those words) people!

Mervin
said
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You folks don't know Jack. If 100 huskies were adopted, 90 would come back to the pound. And then what...

Seriously??
said
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Really?? Why is this a big deal??

I agree that it is terrible thing to happen and there were other options available
BUT...
It seems to me that more people care about the killing of these dogs than the millions of people dying due to starvation, HIV/AIDs, and dictatorships.

BG YYC
said
0 0

This is terrible treatment of good animals. Both companies are to blame and a boycott of this company is in order until they both close. Criminal charges are a must and the laws must be updated to make sure this does not happen again. These companies need licensing and tight regulation. What a bunch of bastards that would do this. The guy that shot the dogs should have refused and called the police. Who would ever do such a dead just to keep a marginal job.

Jon Quebec
said
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Horrific.

We need to be more strict with our laws to protect animal welfare. Criminal charges should be laid and jail time needs to be ordered.

dj
said
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This kind of cruelty can't be justified, the law has to be changed. We all need to petition goverment to have this changed. Punish those cruel, heartless #$%^&*#s for this.

Big E
said
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F***Whistler. I cannot believe that the Gov't "Might" investigate this further. Random acts of cruelty at this level, should go severely punished. Disgusted!!! Absolutely Disgusted !!

Amanda
said
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With all the resources there are in this country, there is absolutely no reason this should have ever happened. It is a tragedy beyond belief, a crime against those whose only purpose in life is to be our very best friend with unwavering love, affection & loyaly. Shame on those who do not believe we are all in this together and every creature on earth deserves the opportunity for a life free of cruelty.

@ Eve
said
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Animals are not defenseless that is a statement of ignorance. Those dogs would devour your child with no thought whatsoever because they are ANIMALS. Children are terrorized, abandoned and ruined daily and what are YOU doing to make this world better for them instead of DOGS. DOGS!

TaT
said
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This story is just as criminal as yesterday's border collie frozen in an ice block and dumped in someone's front yard. When will it stop? It won't stop because we as a society take animals too much for granted and don't protect them they way they deserve to be protected. As for people being more alarmed at this Husky story than what's going on in Egypt !!! I say darn rights, human beings have the choice to make their lives better and political unrest and religion are responsible for more tragedies than anything else. People can change their lives.......... animals cannot speak for themselves !

Larry B
said
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Canada should be ashamed of themselves this is absolutley unacceptable and the people who did this should be sentenced to the full extent of the law and the law should be changed to not allow this to happen again.Wow Canada add this to baby seal killing what a rep to have.......

Damon
said
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The "its just business" argument is very chilling in this case. They bought WAY TOO MANY DOGS and then figure its okay to just kill them all when things slow down. Obviously they had no real foresight as to their business needs so in the end they punish the innocent animals for their incompetence. For businesses where animals are involved, buying 5 times more than you need and then killing them when it doesn't work out is unacceptable. Beyond the absolutely BRUTAL way in which they were culled.

Troy and Torie
said
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This is just awful. We're thankful that all dogs go to heaven. May they rest in peace.

Dale McCarthy
said
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This is sick!! There had better be charges laid. Examples need to be made to prevent other organizations from carrying out this sort of inhumane and intolerable behavior!!!

Liz
said
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@URU- any chance YOU thought before YOU wrote??
You think this was ok- you are obviously from the era that believes animals are property- not living beings with hearts and feelings- but property that can be disposed of. I don't care what the 'circumstances' were- I hope that business NEVER recovers.@ Really- those people chose to go to Egypt, right?? Did these dogs have a choice?
I love the anti-animal comments on here. YOU people need the reality check, not the animal lovers.

Dana Bittner
said
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As the owners of Howling Dog Tours LTD. (Canmore) we would like to issue the following satement - This statement is from Howling Dog Tours LTD. based out of Canmore, AB, regarding recent news filings and misinformation produced from Outdoor Adventures Whistler. As of 2004, the owners of Howling Dog Tours Ltd. (Canmore) sold their interest in �Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.� in its entirety. We are shocked and saddened by these events, however, we have not had any interest or control of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. since 2004. To our knowledge, the company in Whistler, B.C. was operating as �Whistler Dogsledding�. The dogs referred to in the media belonged to �Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. and/or Whistler Dogsledding, under contract with Outdoor Adventures Whistler.Sincerely,Dana Bittner (Owner & Operator)

Hannah in Nanaimo
said
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I wonder just how hard the company worked to place the animals. I didn't see anything on the news about these dogs needing homes. Did he try to contact and dog sled groups from northern BC about the dogs? There are many ways to get the word out there to place these animals. I constantly hear about animals taken in by the SPCA and homes found for them through the media. So to slaughter these dogs that obviously made money for the company was totally senseless. Did Worker's Comp really pay this guy anything?!!

jay
said
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@ goldens: The SPCA doesn't kill animals here in BC.

Richard
said
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URU, they weren't sonsumers who where slaughtering their dogs, it was a Corporation. They couls have put out a Public notice saying the dogs will be culled if homes aren't found for them.They took the easy least expensive way out, which should make shareholders happy in the pocket but outraged in the heart.They COULD HAVE saved many, but chose not to, shame on them. Criminal charges should be brought against the perpetrators.

S. in NB
said
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As I said before, not everything is so black and white... I don't know this worker, so I don't think I (or anyone else that doesn't know this person) have any right to be the judge of absolute right or wrong. Not to mention that it's always easier to judge from the outside... Usually though, it's not so much when you're on the inside of a situation... I'll be leaving the judging for the ignorant thankyouverymuch....PS- What's the point of having a court system? Oh, that's right: innocent until proven guilty...

Rob
said
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This is disgusting!!I emplore EVERYONE, write to Outdoor Adventures Whistler and tell them how you feel about this!Their email address is:info@tagwhistler.com

S. in NB
said
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To Eve:Excellently said!Our society would be immeasurably better if all had this view in my opinion. Honesty and compassion are a rare find in a human, yet I have yet to find a lying pet�

S. in NB
said
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To URU: Would you be asking people to have this kind of consideration and empathy if it were kids that had been slaughtered instead of dogs? I mean, I know plenty of people who have fallen on hard times and somehow made due with what they had. (i.e. : They DIDN�T shoot and bury their kids in a mass grave�) So I�ll ask YOU to think before you ramble.. I don�t pretend to know all the facts in this particular incident, yet from what I can gather, this doesn�t seem to have been a life and death situation� So, personally, I happen to think that murder was not the only option� Whether the victim is a human or animal� The end result is the same: Lives were taken!

Pierre,
said
0 0

Could the worker have not refused to shoot the dogs? Could the company have not called CTV news to share his story of dogs needing homes? Could this (insert the worst expletive you could think up because I'm yelling it right now) company have not posted a (insert another expletive) facebook or twitter update saying his dogs need homes? I would have found some homes for some here in Ontario! I would have driven up myself and brought some here. HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED?!

Kent
said
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A disgusting and decadent waste. Animal law should have more constraints and restrictions in place for those who wish to exploit conscious life.

Gerald
said
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Forced to shoot dozens of dogs ?What would happen in you refused...Maybe get fired or laid off ?

K. Wilson
said
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They couldn't have tried too hard to adopt the dogs out. I never heard anything about it. Surely the could have approached the media for some help, publicity on something like that would have found the dogs homes, including mine!What a waste!!!!!!

marianne van Beek
said
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I trust that the SPCA will fight this one, because if they don't who will? It is a travesty that the SPCA wasn't on top of this prior to their execution. I have to wonder if they knew. One dog is one thing (though not in my eyes) but 100 dogs and they had no inkling of what is going on in a small community like that? And the Tourist company Howling Dogs, did no one look into them as a group before they got their licence?

Kelly
said
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Protest and sign the petition. This is beyond cruelty. Get this petition going viral

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition Search under WILDLIFE (left hand side)

Petition:
Justice- Slaughered Huskies

Think yourself buddy
said
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to the person who said "For ALL those animal lovers, pls think before you start rambling on about this topic. Things happen in life and people sometimes can't afford to take care of the pets they have before hard economic times strike them. NOT everyone is fortunate to have the luxury to keeping and providing the best care for the pets when hard times hit the pockets of consumers. For ALL those animal lovers, I suggest YOU open up your home and starting adopting all those animals that are currently in the shelters and provide immediate care for them all before criticising others not knowing their situations.Think before you write!"You should also understand that if a company decides to breed and work dogs in order to gain profit, and HAS the facilities and resources to keep them alive. Then they ARE responsible for the lives of those dogs. Just because they are not making a profit does not give them ANY, and i mean ANY right whatsoever to put them down. So please think before you write a comment attacking "animal lovers".

Joanna
said
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This is absolutely horrific and cruel. How can something like this happen is a place like Canada? Why were they killed in such a horrific manner and not at least be put in a shelter or given the opportunity to be adopted. I hope who ever did this pays for their crime! I have no pity for people like this!

mmiller
said
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Boycott the tour group. They murdered 100 living beings,

Eve
said
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To URU....children and animals are the defenceless ones in our world. If we do not care for them, especially in times of hardship, then we cannot call ourselves a society. Unlike the vast majority of adult people, animals love honestly without reserve or motive and are there for people, even in the darkest of hours. People who believe the lives of animals are not worth much, and can be extinguished without care, have never experienced that real bond and that is truly sad because they will never understand the beauty of that relationship and are lesser for it.

Niki
said
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This is a horrific tragedy.
so very poorly handled in every aspect. This also affects the other reputable companies that operate in whistler. Lets hope that the involved parties are dealt with severly.

Goldens
said
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Yes! They should have handed them over to the SPCA so that the SPCA could slaughter them.

Shameful, NS
said
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I would have taken one of those dogs, as I did my present dog. People and companies should have a license to own a dog, so we can control dog abusers like the drug pushers, dog fighters, and slimy dog profiteers similar to this company!

Natasha Fuller
said
0 0

It seems to me that they likely breed more hoping business would be sky high and the Olympics would bring in loads of customers. Working in Whistler at the time I understand the need for business last season, as the rest of the season was dead. But these are lives not business plans, they are not like empolyees you can fire at the flick of a switch. I would say they got greedy and were left with too many dogs to handle, especially with the low tourist adventures income based in Whistler over the Olympic period.This is horrid to read of such a highly respected resort!!! Not to mention my personal favourite!

Jason
said
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My disappointment lies within the hearts of humans who believe they have the right to exploit animals for personal wealth and then discard them like garbage when the money is done. I am not a PETA member just a guy raised on a farm in Alberta who was taught to respect all animals we raised. When are we going to get it that animals were not put on this earth just for us? It makes me sad.

Beverly Hartford
said
0 0

Do we never learn from history? This sounds just like what the Canadian government did to the Inuit in the 50's & 60's in a misguided dog ordance effort. It was easier to slaughter them than to enforce a law that was meaningless to the Inuit.

Ken in Ottawa
said
0 0

I can't believe it. Such cruelty and pain. And for what reason?I have two dogs, both of which were rescues. One from Inuvik and another locally.Why wouldn't there be an effort made to make these animals available to those who would shelter them?Why?

Katrina
said
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URU - while I can understand your assertions that things happen which do not allow pet owners to carry on their duties and responsiblities to their four-legged friends, I cannot help but shake my head that this behaviour is in any way being justified. This is 2010... make an effort to find homes for these dogs, or at the very least, use a humane method of euthanization if thats what it comes to. Anyone who is not willing to go at least that far for the animals they own should not own any in the first place.

justice
said
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I didn't know this kind of stuff was allowed to happen in Canada! I'm very disappointed

Susan Fairbairn
said
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As was pointed out, how much effort was made to see if these dogs could have been taken by others, especially by other sled dog owners who might have been able to put the dogs to use? It's too bad that the dogs were killed in this fashion and the person who did it waited so long before reporting what happened. It is hoped that something is done with the owners and others learn from the incident.

sylvain gauthier st-hubert quebec
said
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although upset and fuming about this tragedy i won't be surprised when i hear of some other situation like this one happens again!!! the laws of this country are too easy on the subject of bad animal ownership and animal torture... this is a common case of lack of respect of life.

Disgusted
said
0 0

It seems some bloggers here have not read the article, or don't understand it. This is not someone who can't keep a family pet - this is a for profit business who had a responsibility when they bought/raised these dogs to ensure that they could provide for these dogs when business slows. Given the numerous no-kill animal shelters out there and breed specific rescues, tragically it is likely all of these dogs could have been relocated. Also, if a pet does need to be put down, there is never any excuse to justify shooting half of their face off as a means to accomplish that. Please let us all investigate a company's policy on how they deal with unwanted sled dogs before we pay them good money to experience these lovely and unique dogs. Ghandi - "you can measure a country's moral growth by examining how they treat their animials"

Jaded
said
0 0

This is such a horrible case of cruelty. I hope the govt & courts wake up and give appropriate punishment to these butchers.

Nicole
said
0 0

This story highlights why you should adopt pets rather than buy them from pet stores. If you absolutely MUST have the perfect purebred dog, please research for a reputable breeder. If you plan to get a new pet, be prepared for the responsibility (financial and emotional) it is to care for a new life. No dog should receive this kind of treatment.

h rossi
said
0 0

att: E Mulder: i have a sled dog that lives in my house full time and is also a therapy dog for elderly and mentally ill people...these dogs could very easily have been moved into homes....i don't think they even tried

sans
said
0 0

Outraged and sad beyond words. These evil-hearted ...."human"...should be prosecuted. Knowing and not doing something to stop the action is equally guilty. Life Sentence to clean up after the dogs throughout the country.

PaulaHart
said
0 0

How can we honor these beautiful animals? Will the government step in to protect the vulnerable? Is it possible to contact the BC SPCA to offer any assistance, financial or otherwise so that the barbarian greedy heartless useless excuse of human beings ARE PROSECUTED? Are they even still in Canada?

Norm in Ontario
said
0 0

I have not heard of any media broadcasting the search for homes for these dogs. Even if it was announced via local media, the rescue network is large enough that word would have spread quickly. In my humble opinion, there was no advertising for homes for these poor furbabies. I am thrilled that business declined and with the name of the establishment "out there", i'm sure it will decline much further.

Annon/Employee
said
0 0

I work for these companies during the time of this so called massacre! Never ever have these dogs been treated badly! I am shocked!! Absolutly shocked. He hid this from all of us! We thought the dogs had been adopted out and sold to other operations as everyone on the inside was told. To the person who followed "orders" you should have went to management and let someone know this could have been avoided. Guides, staff and locals community members knew many of these dogs and have taken them loved them and cared for them once they were retired from the operation be it, they did not want to run anymore, old age, injuries or illness. This kennel is world renound and has always been run with love and care!! So coming from someone on the inside, trust me...it shocked us too! RIP Pups! You will be missed!

monica
said
0 0

When I heard the story this morning I did not actually believe it. I have had the joy of living with a Husky for 17 years and I can only tell you this dog brought so much joy in my life till the very end. She was trusting, loving and never once did she step out of line. When I had to put her to sleep I had a vet come to my home so that she would never feel abandoned at the end.It was one of the hardest days of my life and I am still not over it. I don't think I ever will. My understanding is that there are more dogs in the care of this company? I certainly hope the SPCA has moved in to seize the animals already. It is too late for those ones that were already MURDERED but perhaps the SPCA will reach to the public to find homes for these animals this time around. I truly believe that after all has happened it will not be hard finding a loving home for the survivors. This company should have contacted WAGS in Whistler. My understanding is that this a beautiful facility that has a no kill policy. If there is a petition that needs to be signed bring it on!!Make sure the Media is involved so that we can prevent this horrible thing from happening again.I will never think of the Olympic games in the same way after what I just heard. How shameful for that company. if there is a God it will be bankrupt by the end of this inqury. I agree with one of the people that left a comment regarding the worker, he should have quit or gone to the SPCA, or even the RCMP before committimg such a horrible crime.

CT_lawyer
said
0 0

This is horrible, I hope these people get at least some jail time

Patti
said
0 0

Trying to get compensation for having to kill the dogs? Come on, if it bothered you that much you would have refused to kill them and brought this matter to the attention of the media, which I guarantee would hve found homes for these dogs, what a bunch of bs, someone should be held accountable for this!!

Dawn
said
0 0

Second of all....no amount of money in the world and no job would have made me kill these animals. I don't feel bad for the employee unfortunately. He had a choice.

kim
said
0 0

the person who ordered the killing of these dogs and the person who carried out the horrible attack should both receive the same treatment.the problem with all criminals including these losers is that there's no consequences. how much criminal activity would be reduced if it were an eye for an eye?

Dawn
said
0 0

Ok granted homes for the dogs may have been hard to find. How hard did they actually try???
They could have destroyed the dogs in a more humane way. At this point i hope the company goes under.

STEPHEN PIPER
said
0 0

I REALLY DOUBT THAT THEY LOOKED HARD TO FIND THESE ANIMALS A NEW LIFE.
EVERYTHING WAS FINE WHEN THEY WERE MAKING MONEY OFF OF THESE POOR ANIMALS.
BUT LOOK HOW THEY WERE TREATED WHEN THE COMPANY GOT INTO FINANCIAL TROUBLE.
I WOULD HOPE THAT THE PEOPLE WHO GIVE PEOPLE LIKE THIS A BUSINESS LICENCE WILL HAVE THE COMMON SENSE TO PULL THAT LICENCE.
WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR THAT PERSON TO GO TO THE PEARLY GATES I HOPE HE GETS SHOWN THE SAME KINDNESS,LOVE AND COMPASSION THAT HE HAS SHOWN TO THESE BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS.

rich
said
0 0

i read the story then read the comments did the people who wrote the comments read the whole story? The guy who shot the dogs made the decision to shoot the dogs himself he was in control of howling wolf and now he wants money from work safe b.c. He sounds like a real mother teresa. And he states he couldnt find homes where did he look ? if he contacted the spca and they wouldnt take them then there as guilty as he is.I think the question is are these all of the facts?

HiroAkita
said
0 0

Shooting 100 dogs for financial reasons, without an attempt to have these animals resettled is a crime. Some were tortured as they didn't die right away. I can understand destroying them if they were somehow incurably sick, or were not adopted within a reasonable amount of time. But this is plain cruel. This company is not responsible enough to be a company, and the owners need to be punished. As for me I'm emailing the MP for that region John Weston.

Kathy
said
0 0

They should be shut down period.Who wants to support organizations like this?Cruel sickos.Took what they thought was the easy way out.Unacceptable.

angela brunso
said
0 0

I hope that the authorities will do what is necessary to wage criminal action against all those involved. I felt so badly for the dogs that I cried.

Nicole
said
0 0

I don't think there was much effort done to find placements for the dogs. The person who killed them should have gone public with their dilemma before doing away with all of the dogs. There was not a word about it published in the local papers or on the internet. Did they go to the local shelter, the WAG, or to the SPCA for help? Another alternative could have been found if the problem had been shared publicly.

Joan
said
0 0

But "they were only carrying out orders!"
SOUND FAMILIAR????

C. Forrester
said
0 0

I would sincerely hope that the people responsible will be arrested and prosecuted. They will be passing on the responsibility as much as possible but this slaughter is a horror and so very shameful.
Of course there were dozens of other options. Does this mean they can slaughter the horses they use in their business during slack times? Huskies have ensured the survival of whole cultures, suffered and served humans for centuries.
a business like this is not worthy of their care.
This makes me ashamed of our so called animal rights laws.
it's time to put things right.

URU
said
0 0

For ALL those animal lovers, pls think before you start rambling on about this topic. Things happen in life and people sometimes can't afford to take care of the pets they have before hard economic times strike them. NOT everyone is fortunate to have the luxury to keeping and providing the best care for the pets when hard times hit the pockets of consumers. For ALL those animal lovers, I suggest YOU open up your home and starting adopting all those animals that are currently in the shelters and provide immediate care for them all before criticising others not knowing their situations.Think before you write!

T.Fox - Vernon, BC
said
0 0

Someone needs to answer to this. It's unacceptable. Why was no one made aware of this until now? They obviously didn't try too hard to find homes for the dogs as there was no news coverage...terrbile shame. They are the most beautiful dogs :(

Somedude
said
0 0

A couple of tweets from them from shortly before the slaughter. http://twitter.com/HowlingDogToursOur dogs with jobs will be taking short vacation soon so book now for last tours of season http://www.howlingdogtours.com/current-offer 7:00 AM Apr 15th, 2010 via web Our dogs with jobs are now taking a short vacation in the Rockies, back soon ready and raring to run 9:38 AM Apr 19th, 2010 via web

Really?
said
0 0

It's funny to me that there seem to be more people concerned about these dogs than they are getting Canadians safely out of the dangers in Egypt.

Anne
said
0 0

This is a nasty business to be sure, and should be investigated. However, in the face of the outraged hysteria on the postings here, these were working dogs, and likely not suitable for house pets. Cruelty to animals should never be condoned. Perhaps more attention should be paid when these kinds of businesses are set up and whether it they are viable.

LMG
said
0 0

So sad. Had the company perhaps contacted the news saying because of slow business they have to give away dogs, not only would have the dogs found another home, but it would have generated publicity for their business perhaps leading to more business and less dogs having to be given away

Bk
said
0 0

I am sure had the company bothered to announce they were about to cull 100 dogs, the ASPCA, husky rescues, and independent animal lovers from across the country would have flocked to the call and helped to organize saving at least some of these dogs. Instead, this company will now probably have even less paying customers wanting to support them thanks to the fatal "reward" they gave to their four-legged employees. I am ashamed for them.

E Mulder
said
0 0

if this company was looking for homes for these dogs they obviously don't know anything about sled dogs. you can't place them in homes, their not a household pet. they are too high strung and usually not housebroken due to the dogs being outside all the time. The company should have looked for other business to take them. very sad indeed and should have been dealt with more humanely. I'm sure business will drop even farther after this.

Pat
said
0 0

Instead of over breeding of these animals,there should be better quality and quanitycontrol. I know that feeding a large groupof animals such as this could be expensivebut so is destroying your investment, I am sure the dogs were not free. Next time try E-bay, beautiful dog free.

URU
said
0 0

I don't really understand why its the SPCA's business to investigate this kinds of situations during hard economic times. Its really a simple solution, IF the SPCA really care for the well beingof ALL animals, they should be opened to take in any animal in need through all times and from everyone since they off that service. If that business couldn't afford to keep the dogs what other means can they have to support them, unless the SPCA is openly and willingly take them without any reasons.

Cheryl
said
0 0

I live in Colorado and have 2 huskies. I would have made room to take a few of these dogs. I had not heard of this untill now. Very sad.

Merritt
said
0 0

How hard did they look to find homes for these dogs when we never even heard of this plight? No news coverage of them looking for homes for these dogs. I'm sure that if there had been a news story that 100 sled dogs needed good homes people would have responded. I'm certain little effort was made to get this out to the media prior to this slaughter.

Guy from the WEST
said
0 0

What I am outraged about is that folks actually equate human life to animal life. Hey, I'm an animal lover and don't like to see stories like this either, but come on--the same thing should be done to the person who ordered this as what happened to the dogs? Please people, get lives! Yes, lets be humane, but lets not get ridiculous!

Husky Owner
said
0 0

I broke down in tears when I saw this, Being a Husky Owner, I just cant fathom why someone would do this. Do some legwork, there are PLENTY of organizations who would have taken these dogs and placed them in loving homes.

Man's best Friend
said
0 0

This is a terrible tragedy. I own 2 huskies and would gladly have helped rescue more if I would have known...about this.. the person who shot the dogs should have notified immediately the SPCA or someone who could have helped...no one should be forced to do something like that...

JB in Ontario
said
0 0

Putting dogs down is an unfortunate reality when you can't find homes for them. They are still man's best friend.

Linda
said
0 0

How sad, I just watched Below Eight about a true story on these dogs and they are so smart and loyal how can anyone want to hurt them.

A.Johnson
said
0 0

This is horrible! If they had asked for help to find homes these beautiful dogs would be in loving familys right now. It is amazing that when they were being used to bring money in for the company all was great! I will never use that company for a holiday my advice to people who love animials is to look elsewhere when planing a family trip! These poor animials are defenceless and trust us humans to care for them. I hope this company is bought to justice. The worker should have went to the labor board for help before the killings not after!

Jeff
said
0 0

I am outraged over this.

Kim Imhoff
said
0 0

What is wrong with people!!!! I find it hard to beleive they made an effort to find homes for those dogs. This makes me sick!

Keith
said
0 0

There's no words that can describe my anger and hatred towards the people who are to blame. What is are world coming too. These dogs are so Beautiful and mean no harm to anyone. They deserved a chance for a new home and better life then the chance you gave them. I hope the Law steps up and brings them down. This is just sickening to think something like this could even get that far. Where's are Government to stop this from happening?

labels08
said
0 0

Unforgivable. How in the world could anyone do such a thing to these beautiful, helpless creatures? Because business slows they were forced to kill the animals? What in the world have we come to! And you're right, these type dogs are tortured and killed every day in Innu reserves, but animal abuse everywhere is totally out of hand. We need stronger, heftier punishments for these types of crimes. Not just a slap on the wrist. To anyone who's capable of such a crime - you disgust me. You aren't worthy of the love and companionship of an animal.

SK Birdhunter
said
0 0

Crimes against dogs are the same as crimes against humanity...

Trisch
said
0 0

Why on earth would that person follow through on such an outrageous order?? Filing due to post traumatic stress - they deserve every sleepless night for what they did. I am so sick to my stomach thinking about this. And to think that everyone thought the Olympics being here was a gift from the gods. I bet those poor dogs that were bought and trained just for the tourist boost we had during that time and then killed after they were no longer useful think otherwise. ~~ As for those attacking the SPCA for also killing animals, no it is not a good thing either but at least those animals are given the decency of a respectful quiet death and that's only after they've made a solid attempt at finding them homes. ~~ This story just disgusts me!

Mike in Mississauga
said
0 0

Like most, I too am horrified to hear about this, and I realize that hindsight is always easier than foresight. I wonder though, if the owners had let it be known that they would have to euthanize these animals if a new home could not be found, how many dogs would actually have not found a home. The answer to this certainly makes me question the effort put forth to find an alternative solution. Let us hope that in the future, if this situation happens again, that the persons involved will make every effort to preserve the sanctity of life rather than take this easier but morally repugnant route.

S. in NB
said
0 0

I feel horrible for the dogs, yet I feel just as horrible for the person who was ordered to kill them... It's not always so black and white when you're ordered to do something, especially if you want to keep your job. I've experienced PTSD and it's definitely an uphill battle- but it can get better. I got help (professional) and I can say with complete honesty that it saved my life. I wish this person a speedy recovery... It might sound a bit cliche, but just keep on keeping on...

Leona
said
0 0

It is beyond my understanding how anyone who has ever looked into the eyes of a dog or cat and seen the absolute trust and love in them could even consider an act so cold. Those dogs were part of the revenue generated for the company. They deserved at least the respect of a peaceful death if homes truly couldn't be found for them. Dress it up with any excuses you like, the dogs were murdered.

Carl
said
0 0

I can't help wondering: Why on earth didn't the worker refuse to kill the dogs and call the SPCA in the first place?

Mervin
said
0 0

Sled dogs make HORRID pets for MOST folks. They need to RUN, baby RUN. If they don't, they go bonkers. I had a Samoyed for 13 years, and had a run in with a fenced in Husky. She went crazy on my Sammy, even when I was beating on it with a walking stick. Thankfully she was only around 30 lbs. Dang, that dawg had FIGHT!

Harold, Manitoba
said
0 0

Certainly via national and international media reporting, homes would have been found for these 100 healthy animals. How tragic!

Pugfire
said
0 0

I guess about the only thing I can put down here, that the moderators will allow to be posted is: Things like this make me sick to my stomach and I wish there could be a decent reckoning on those who ordered and perpetrated this inhumane outrage.

Stu
said
0 0

Wow, that is absolutely digusting. How hard did they actually try to find homes for these poor dogs. I guess it was easier to shot them then do the leg work on finding new homes, or calling the SPCA for help!! :(*S*

Camille Toews
said
0 0

How disguisting.This happens on First Nation Reserves too.

S. Brown
said
0 0

The sick person or persons who gave the order to do something like this should have the same thing done to them! I don't think they tried to hard to find homes like they said.

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