Unpublished letter submitted to the Toronto Star

Re: It’s time to end  mistreatment of sled dogs. July 28, 2019.

On a road trip about five years ago looking for a cottage property we chanced upon a dog-sled gualag just outside Sunridge, Ontario. We were shocked and disgusted by what we saw. The property was surrounded by a tall wire fence and the gates were locked. There was apparently no one there other than about fifty emaciated dogs each hooked to about a six foot chain outside an orange barrel laid on its side with the end cut out for a door. Each barrel was elevated with three steps up. We could see water dishes, many that had been kicked over and in the 30 degree heat many of the animals were suffering. As we walked up to the gate a clamour started as all th dogs began to bark and become excited at possible human contact.

The dogs were obviously starved during the summer months and then fattened up for the winter racing season. We assumed the dogs were chained throughout the summer. What really surprised and saddened me was that when I called the animal control officer he did not seem too concerned and informed us was that sled dogs were exempt from animal cruelty legislation. There was little he could do.

The way we treat our sled dogs is a metaphor for how we treat humanity in a capitalist society. Plenty of surface show and token attention but beneath this thin veneer of civility is hidden an ugly underbelly of mistreatment, exploitation and marginalization for profits that is presented as necessary to be successful for the private sector and that governments generally ignore. Its all a big ruse. Everything for profit, nothing for society. The sled dogs know it – when will we get on to the game.