This used to be pretty common among big kennels. Things have changed. I dont' know any mushers who still shoot their unwanted dogs. More are placed for adoption now or euthanized by other means. Unfortunately, it happens. It's legal pretty much everywhere. It's legal because a gunshot administered to the right spot causes instant death...therefore it's considered humane. That's not my personal opinion, but that's what the law is based on. Legally there is nothing anyone can do about it. The dogs are killed legally and legally they are simply property. You want to do something?? write your lawmakers and get the laws updated.

Not to justify the way this man is culling dogs because I am disgusted by it, but unfortunately, there is a very limited market for older sled dogs. I speak from experience when I say that they are hard to place. Not only do I have a yard full of them, but the shelters around me are full of them. The Fairbanks animal control shelter euthanizes up to 3000 dogs a year, most of them husky crosses. People have the wrong impression of sled dogs and most believe that a working sled dog can't become a happy pet. I'm making it my personal mission in life to change impression for as many people as I can. Someday soon I'll be set up fully and able to sled dog rescue properly.

For a group trying to make a difference, check out the Second Chance League in Fairbanks, AK. http://members.petfinder.org/~AK17/index.php