Animals Today April 27, 2019. The Iditarod sled dog race must end. Horse, donkey and mule abuse in the Grand Canyon.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The Iditarod sled dog race must end

The 2019 version of the Iditarod sled dog race has concluded. Billed as the “Last Great Race on Earth,” it is unfortunate that this race lives on, because the dogs endure tremendous amounts of physical stress during the event, and neglect and cruelty both before and after the event.

This year, a dog named Oshi died shortly after becoming sick near the end of the race. In the history of this brutal race, 154 dogs have died during the race, and five died in 2017 alone.

Lori gives all the details, and offers ways we all can help put an end to the Iditarod.

Horse, donkey and mule abuse in the Grand Canyon.

Peter is then joined by Susan Ash, Founder of SAVE, an advocacy group that is shining the spotlight on abuse and neglect against pack horses, mules and donkeys in the Grand Canyon.

These animals, owned by members of the Havasupai tribe, serve the tourist trade by carrying visitors and their gear from the town of Supai down to the beautiful aqua blue Havasu Falls about 10 miles away.

Ash (with the help of vacationers who have provided many photos of the suffering animals) has documented numerous instances of neglect and abuse. But, this is a lucrative business for the tribe, and it continues trying to hide the abuse.

Thanks to SAVE and the brave work of Susan and her team, word is finally getting out! Please visit SAVE to  learn more and to show Susan some support!

Banning whales, dolphins and porpoises from being bred or held in captivity 

To finish up on a hopeful note, Peter speaks with Dr. Lori Marino about a bill in Canada, which would ban all whale and dolphin captivity. Lori gives the background, why this bill is needed and its status. Learn more at Whale Sanctuary Project.

Then Rover, the pet sitting and dog walking company, and Redfin, the real estate brokerage, team up to give their version of the most dog friendly cities of 2019.