The Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC) board posted a notice on the iditarod.com web site late on Friday summing up the board’s assessment and action in the Ramy Brooks dog abuse matter. They cover the facts of the case and render their judgment.
With respect to dog abuse, no doubt in an effort to head off the inevitable criticism of the race, they included this passage:
It is important that all sponsors, fans and volunteers know that dog abuse will not be tolerated in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. It is always disappointing and regrettable that any action on or off the trail might result in any discomfort or pain to any dog. We must, and we will continue to strive to ensure the safety and well being of every Iditarod canine athlete.
For now, the Brooks matter appears closed. Recommendations for 2008 rule changes are due from the rules committee at the June ITC board meeting, scheduled for June 1 in Anchorage. Sign-ups for the next year’s race usually begin in July.
The Iditarod claims there was no credible evidence that Ramy Brooks beat his dogs with a chain. The Iditarod insults the eyewitnesses and the public. According to the Associated Press and the Iditarod’s own investigative report, a male child age 9 reported that Brooks beat his dog with a chain. David Amuktoolik, Jr., who is an adult, told Maude Paniptchuk (teacher and eyewitness) that he found a short chain where the musher had been.
A 9-year-old knows when he sees a person beating a dog with a chain. And, the chain Mr. Amuktoolik found didn’t appear by magic.
Imagine what else he and his mushing family do to make dogs run past their physical ability. I was not aware until this episode the brutality involved in this sport. My heart goes out to the dogs that have to suffer.
I no longer support the Iditarod - and hope other people feel the same. There were eye witnesses to the abuse and still nothing is done. I admire the people who came forward and thank them for doing the right thing. If only the dog racing officials would have done the same.
I don’t support the Iditarod and am appalled by the media continuing to advertise the race for free. I am upset that public television station KAKM Channel 7 plans to air several special programs in June during its summer membership drive, including the 2007 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race documentary, AS TOUGH AS THEY COME, produced by the Iditarod Trail Committee.
Lance Mackey, winner of the 2007 race, will host the “documentary’s” premiere live from the KAKM studios on Saturday, June 2 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The program will repeat on Wednesday, June 6 at 8:30 p.m.
You can be sure that the Iditarod’s promo doesn’t show any cruelty. The station should be airing film about people who help animals and do worthwhile things. It wrong for KAKM to continue to give the Iditarod a free ride.
How about KAKM airing programs that give the cruelties?
Mr. Bailey — I’ve forwarded your comment to KAKM’s station manager, Ronnie Dent. She will probably prepare a response in the next few days (I think she’s back in the office on Tuesday, May 29).
In the interests of full disclosure, both KAKM and APRN are divisions of APTI. The film is produced by the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC), using contract producers, none of whom work for KAKM. KAKM is airing the film as part of its June pledge drive. KAKM is not a sponsor of the race, nor is APRN or APTI.
APRN covers the race each year (and highlights its coverage online) because it is a newsworthy event in Alaska for many reasons — cultural, historical, economic, etc.
KAKM does not cover the race, or at least hasn’t in recent memory. KAKM did air the ITC-produced 2006 race video last year as a fundraiser. It is repeating that event this year with the 2007 ITC-produced video, again as a fundraiser.