Animal cruelty investigation sparked by PTSD claim from worker who shot 100 sled dogs in front of other dogs

**Jenna** · 02-01-11, 12:39 PM

The "execution-style" mass cull of 100 sled dogs owned by Whistler-based Outdoor Adventures has sparked an SPCA investigation into allegations of animal cruelty, outrage from animal welfare groups and suspension by Tourism Whistler of reservations for dog sledding excursions by the company.
The cull came to light because of a successful WorkSafeBC claim for post-traumatic stress by the employee who killed the dogs over two days last April.
The worker said he suffered panic attacks and nightmares because of the grisly scenes that unfolded as he carried out the company's orders to kill 100 of its 300 dogs because of a slow winter season.
Many were killed in mass shootings, carried out in front of each other, that caused the dogs to panic and attack him.
"By the end he was covered in blood," according to the review board's Jan. 25 decision that found he did suffer post-traumatic stress. "When he finished he cleared up the mess, filled in the mass grave and tried to bury the memories as deeply as he could."
Five days after the final culling, he sought treatment from a clinical counsellor who indicated he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

More here:

SPCA probes 'execution' of 100 sled dogs

**Captain America** · 02-01-11, 12:44 PM

Sounds like being a sled dog is a lot like being a cop. Criminal charges should be pressed. As for as the employee's PTSD claim , I could see that as legit, but he should have told them to stick their job.....

**E-man** · 02-01-11, 11:19 PM

Not either for or against the claim and payout for PTSD but killing 100 dogs all because the boss says we're short some money?
NO F'In way...

**luckyme** · 02-01-11, 11:53 PM

That's messed up.

How did the claim get public?

**MacLean** · 02-02-11, 12:26 AM

Too bad he didn't have the nuts to tell the boss to eff himself.

Live with it, dirtbag.

**Hawk1** · 02-02-11, 03:09 AM

Hmmm..ever heard the word "no"?? Sorry douchebag, I hope full charges are laid against you.

**Jenna** · 02-02-11, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by luckyme

How did the claim get public?

Good question. The media sources don't say.

Originally Posted by Captain America

Sounds like being a sled dog is a lot like being a cop.

**mack** · 02-02-11, 02:06 PM

That is awful! Why not sell them or give them to Animal Rescue, if they sold them at least they would get some money back.

**DeputyDuc** · 02-02-11, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by luckyme

How did the claim get public?

Originally Posted by Jenna

Good question. The media sources don't say.

"The cull came to light because of a successful WorkSafeBC claim for post-traumatic stress by the employee who killed the dogs over two days last April. "

**Xiphos** · 02-02-11, 03:25 PM

WTF was the guy thinking? He should be prosecuted, along with his boss for some kind of animal cruelty charge.

**ChesCopPodz** · 02-02-11, 08:12 PM

I hope he gets all the treatment for PTSD that he needs...............in prison.

**luckyme** · 02-02-11, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by DeputyDuc

"The cull came to light because of a successful WorkSafeBC claim for post-traumatic stress by the employee who killed the dogs over two days last April. "

I know it's not the point of the thread, but shouldn't that be a HIPPA thing?

**TXCharlie** · 02-03-11, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by ChesCopPodz

I hope he gets all the treatment for PTSD that he needs...............in prison.

Ditto, along with whoever ordered it.

Article I found on the PETA.org site:
Dogs Killed When Dogsled Business Slows | PETA.org

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Mushers routinely abandon, shoot, bludgeon, or drown dogs when they become ill, don't run fast enough, or are simply unwanted. In 2005, it was revealed that the largest dogsled tour operation in the U.S., Krabloonik Kennel in Aspen, Colorado, was shooting and killing as many as 35 dogs every year. A Krabloonik employee defended the killings, saying, "This is part of the circle of life for the dog-sled dog."

Originally Posted by luckyme

I know it's not the point of the thread, but shouldn't that be a HIPPA thing?

I guess maby Canada doesn't have as many HIPPA-like rules. HIPPA is largely a pain in the ass as far as I'm concerned.

**ChesCopPodz** · 02-03-11, 04:16 PM

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Mushers routinely abandon, shoot, bludgeon, or drown dogs when they become ill, don't run fast enough, or are simply unwanted. In 2005, it was revealed that the largest dogsled tour operation in the U.S., Krabloonik Kennel in Aspen, Colorado, was shooting and killing as many as 35 dogs every year. A Krabloonik employee defended the killings, saying, "This is part of the circle of life for the dog-sled dog."

I find this interesting, since Aspen Co is one of the most liberal places outside California. Surprised this didn't make the news and that place get boycotted into oblivion.

**MacLean** · 02-03-11, 05:49 PM

One should make a clear distinction between putting down a dog, and doing so in the fashion this guy did.

Many an old hunter has taken his old and sick dog out in the woods for a last romp.

Doing so in front of the other dogs, and needlessly, is where the cruelty happens.