WASHINGTON - Within six months of the release of Disney
Studio's 101 Dalmatians, relinquishment of these dogs to animal
shelters and Dalmatian rescue organizations had increased by at
least 25 percent; preliminary statistics indicate a similar
trend following the release of the sequel, 102 Dalmatians. With
past experience still fresh in mind, The Humane Society of the
United States (HSUS) is encouraging moviegoers to resist the
temptation to rush out and get a Siberian husky after seeing
Snow Dogs, the latest Disney release featuring canine co-stars.
In addition to its human cast, Snow Dogs stars eight huskies
who are inherited by an urbanite determined to compete in an
Iditarod-style dog sled race in Alaska. "We are concerned that
people will see the film and, without having any real knowledge
of the husky breed, go out and get a husky," says Brian
Sodergren, issues specialist in companion animals for The
Humane Society of the United States. "While Siberian huskies
are wonderful dogs, they are not the right animal companion for
everyone. They are intelligent, high-energy dogs that can
become bored and destructive if they don't receive adequate
exercise, training, and attention." Sodergren also adds that
they like to dig and roam, can be very vocal, and require
significant grooming.
People who find themselves caught up in the husky fervor
need to be cautious of individuals who overbreed huskies hoping
to capitalize on the success of Snow Dogs. Reputable breeders
have involved processes for ensuring that their dogs go only to
people that are educated about the care and requirements of the
breed and who have the time and commitment to meet those needs
for the life of the dog.
"People also need to be honest with themselves," cautions
Sodergren. "Before giving in to their child's pleas for that
adorable husky puppy, parents should realistically assess how
well that active, demanding adult husky would fit with their
lifestyle. If they decide that they can accommodate such a dog,
they should think about going to their local animal shelter or
Siberian husky rescue organization, where, unfortunately, past
experience has shown us there will likely be an increase in the
number of huskies desperately needing homes."
The HSUS is also concerned about the message Snow Dogs
conveys about the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, a one to
two-week-long extreme endurance race that begins this year on
Saturday, March 2 in Anchorage and will end more than 1,000
miles later in Nome. Mushing can be a wonderful way to exercise
and bond with huskies; however, the Iditarod's extreme physical
and psychological stress on the dogs and the dangerous
conditions of the race have resulted in at least one canine
death during nearly every Iditarod race, with some years' death
tolls reaching five or six dogs. During its 29 years, at least
114 dogs have died in the Iditarod.
"Despite the fact that canine Iditarod competitors face
mortality rates that would be unacceptable for human
competitors and often experience abuse, neglect, and culling
(killing of non-competitive pups) during the remainder of the
year," says Sodergren, "Snow Dogs treats extreme endurance sled
dog racing in a light-hearted manner, sending the wrong message
to audience members about this inhumane sport."
