Sled Dog Rescue

Watching warily.© Karla Goodson

November 17, 2009 

When the owner of approximately 100 sled dogs was unable to properly care for them, finally releasing them to the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle in Quebec, HSI Canada joined in the effort to rescue the animals.

The dogs were chained outside without regular access to adequate food, clean water or shelter, and around one-third of the females were pregnant. Without intervention, the owner could have found himself with 100 more puppies, with winter right around the corner.

Rescuers removed the dogs and transported them to an emergency shelter in Val-Morin, where they will receive veterinary treatment, food, water and care. As soon as possible, the dogs will be brought to rescue groups in Canada and in the United States, where they will be sterilized and adopted into loving homes.

Another partner organization, United Animal Nations, deployed a team of volunteers to staff the shelter in cooperation with HSI and the SPCA LL. 

On-scene for the event, HSI Canada director Rebecca Aldworth wrote:

Over the years, I’ve witnessed a lot of animal suffering. But the images from our rescue yesterday of nearly 100 neglected sled dogs in rural Quebec will stay with me for a long time.

The local SPCA had received tips several weeks ago about a large group of huskies chained up in the woods, without adequate food and water. But it was only in recent days that the SPCA was able to pinpoint the location. They immediately called Humane Society International for help. Our Emergency Services team deployed to Quebec, complete with trained animal handlers and a specialized vehicle to remove the dogs.

As we walked onto the property, my heart broke. The huskies had been chained to metal poles and rotting plywood structures, over barren stretches of frozen mud. Hungry and dehydrated, they were unable to move beyond the two-meter radius their chains permitted.

The emaciated huskies began to wag their tails as we approached, barking in excitement. Amidst the noise, one older dog sat quietly. I went to him and he too began to wag his tail. I winced as I felt his ribs, so prominent under his fur. Looking closer, I soon realized he was blind—untreated cataracts had taken his sight. Carefully, we walked him to freedom, and the promise of a better life.

Curious about the rescuers.© Karla Goodson

We arrived just in time. Winter is coming and many of these dogs—including a number of puppies—may not have survived without our intervention.

Thankfully, our rescue operation was a complete success. One by one, we led or carried the dogs into our Emergency Services vehicle, and transported them to our emergency shelter an hour away—space generously donated by a local businessperson. There, dedicated volunteers from United Animal Nations are providing care, and SPCA Laurentides-Labelle veterinarians have treated and vaccinated the dogs. Once healthy, these deserving dogs will be adopted out to loving homes in Canada and the United States.

As we left the property, we pulled the heavy metal poles out of the ground, pushing over the filthy plywood dog houses. This property, home to misery for so long, will not house this kind of suffering again.

While these huskies are now safe, so many animals across Canada face neglect and abuse. HSI/Canada is advocating for stronger laws at the provincial and federal level, so we can stop this kind of suffering forever.

Tragically, this situation is not unique, with cases of neglect of sled dogs regularly reported in Canada. HSI and the SPCA LL are calling upon the provincial and federal government to pass stronger animal protection laws to ensure the protection of all dogs. For sled dogs, sterilization and planning for the care of the dogs during the eight-month low season should be a priority.

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