Racing is racing and you can say the same thing about all of them. Greyhounds love to and are bred to run. Huskies are the same way. So are Thourobred horses. That is what they do. That is what they are bred for. I frankly don't believe the people who say nothing is ever done to the animals that is wrong any more than I believe the people who say it is all evil and should be stopped. Nothing is ever one way or the other but ALWAYS somewhere in the middle.

It is up to us as responsible human beings to make sure that while these animals are doing something they really love they don't become abused. The animals don't always have the sense to know when to stop even when they are injured. That is why there are check points with vet checks and people who don't have the vested interest in winning to make sure the dogs are taken care of. It is the same with endurance races on horseback. Do some people go to extremes and give pain meds so that the animals can run further and longer than might be safe for them? I wouldn't take bets against that. I know it happens in horse racing. I know it happens in dog racing and endurance riding. So do I believe it happens in sled dog racing also...you bet. Do some dogs/horses etc become injured or die in the course of the race? Absolutely. So do humans. Does that mean it ought to be banned? NO. But as responsible humans we need to continue to strive towards minimizing these incidents.

The vast majority of mushers love their dogs and properly take care of them. That is also a known fact. I don't think the I-rod should be stopped. Nor do I believe it should be made safe to the point of ruining the race. These types of races are suppose to test the heart, soul and strength of humans and dogs alike. If there was no danger what would be the point. Not everything that causes pain or injury is abuse. It is just life. So lets all use some commen sense and realize that most things in this world are not all one way or the other...there are always shades of gray.

Denyce