Care of Sled Dogs & Tethering:During the past two years there has been some controversial and intense political wrangling in Colorado concerning dog care. This has lead to an effort to pass new statewide legislation to minutely regulate the tethering of dogs. Below is a letter from our club president, Lynn Whipple, outlining RMSDC's stance on this issue. (Winter 2010) The Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club was formed in the winter of 1960-61. There was a small group of Siberian Husky and Samoyed owners who wanted to emphasize the working aspect of their breeds. Today, we are primarily hobbyist kennel owners who compete in recreational sporting activities with our dogs. We do not represent for-profit sled dog businesses. Our club mission is “to promote sled dog sports, to promote and educate on animal care and welfare, and to hold events and publish information that will be consistent with such objectives." The Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club's stance on tethering follows the same standards as *Mush with P.R.I.D.E.* (Providing Responsible Information on a Dog's Environment) which "believes that the tethering of sled dogs, when done in an appropriate manner, is a safe and humane method of keeping sled dogs of any breed. It allows healthy social interaction, minimizes risk of injury, and facilitates kennel hygiene. Behavioral studies on sled dogs housed outdoors with tethers have shown that the dogs show no ill effects, and one showed that dogs adapted to tethers do very poorly when confined in indoor pens." RMSDC believes tethering is an important tool for housing sled dogs safely and humanely. A state-wide anti-tethering ordinance would have extensive negative impacts on the Colorado mushing community. However, we do not support excessive prolonged tethering. RMSDC believes in responsible use of tethering combined with appropriate off-tether exercise and playtime. Containment needs to be done in a responsible, safe and humane manner with the dog's care being the priority. Thank you, Lynn Whipple President RMSDC |
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