Well, I don't know enough about sledding to really make an educated statement one way or another, but I am really not a fan of PETA. While I think the general purpose of the organization is positive, I truly do not appreciate their fanatical tactics in dealing with animal rights issues. I feel they've worked hard to actually push people away from their original intent...people tend to do more eye-rolling upon mentioning PETA than most other organizations.
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Iditarod: Dog Sled Race of Death
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My point was that there is nothing wrong with mushing in general, but that it is imperetive that the dogs not be overworked and be given adequate care and held to said standard of adequate care during the race. Basically, that the drive to win should not supercede the health of the dog.
I don't get why everyone is being so harsh because someone has concerns for dogs health and safety
Ditto. I am also saddened to see how cut throat people can get with opinions. I am 17, and can express my opinoins better than some...Originally Posted by Trouts mom
I don't get why everyone is being so harsh because someone has concerns for dogs health and safety
There are bad apples everywhere true, but why not try to change that? I truley believe that every life saved, or improved is worth more than money can buy.
I can see where this person is coming from, the issue at hand is not being a supporter of PETA, but of the way sled dogs are treated. Also there was a link with alot of information on it that many did not look at. I don't believe everything I read, but as someone else said, there are bad apples everywhere, and every life counts.
BTW, your article is very nice.
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Concern for animal welfare is what everyone on this site is about - I think the people, including myself, that were being critical (and it hasn't been excessively critical) were questioning the knowledge behind the OPs statements, the credibility and truthfulness behind the statements, and the manner in which they are delivered.
Part of the reason many people scoff at animal rights activists, and the reason many animal rights activitists are not listened to, or viewed as loonies, is because they are very blind, one-eyed and not prepared to accept any points of view that oppose their own.
Animal welfare is one of the most important issues of society today, but it is like anything, fundamentalists do more to damage the good work being done than otherwise.
I don't have an issue with people who support PETA, or people who want sled dogs treated better, or people who eat meat. But if you're gonna blow a trumpet, you should be able to play it properly. Someone who works at McDonalds has no right to tell others they are being blinded by propaganda from the meat industry. Animal rights groups have no business dumping kittens and puppies into dumpsters. Companies that manufacture pet food have no right to let animals die on their laboratory floors (IAMS). I think that has been the reason for the criticism here, because nobody disagrees that it's ok to treat dogs (or other animals) cruelly.
Part of the reason many people scoff at animal rights activists, and the reason many animal rights activitists are not listened to, or viewed as loonies, is because they are very blind, one-eyed and not prepared to accept any points of view that oppose their own.
Animal welfare is one of the most important issues of society today, but it is like anything, fundamentalists do more to damage the good work being done than otherwise.
I don't have an issue with people who support PETA, or people who want sled dogs treated better, or people who eat meat. But if you're gonna blow a trumpet, you should be able to play it properly. Someone who works at McDonalds has no right to tell others they are being blinded by propaganda from the meat industry. Animal rights groups have no business dumping kittens and puppies into dumpsters. Companies that manufacture pet food have no right to let animals die on their laboratory floors (IAMS). I think that has been the reason for the criticism here, because nobody disagrees that it's ok to treat dogs (or other animals) cruelly.
Like I mentioned before, I don't really know anything about dog-sledding/mushing. Now, if there are injustices being made against the participating dogs throughout the course of such events, I feel that someone should express concern, as the OP has through the article...no animals should be harmed in the name of sport, work, hobby, etc. I do feel that some have jumped down the OP's throat about the article...I'm not really sure that is fair. This is the "Cats and Other Animals" forum, the "Other Animals" component meaning, dogs, birds, fish, reptiles, etc. It's an appropriate springboard for such a discussion, in my opinion.
I guess it's the PETA thing that mildly irritates me, but hey, everyone has the right to their belief systems.
I guess it's the PETA thing that mildly irritates me, but hey, everyone has the right to their belief systems.
I don't think you have to be a PETA supporter to maintain a healthy skepticism about sports that use animals for some reason. On one hand, the animals were bred to do their job, and thus, would enjoy it. On the other hand, we humans have been known on many occassions to exloit our animal friends. I myself think PETA does more harm than good when it comes to actually helping animals, but that doesn't mean I have to go along and think everything is just dandy for the animals either.
The way I look at it, everyone is entitled to their opinion...and this is mine.
I saw dog sledding on TV once and wondered if the best interest of the dogs is taken into consideration or if those people only have one thing in mind...WINNING!
I'm sure there are many who would give up the chance at a win if one or more of the dogs was in some kind of distress, but on the other hand I'm sure there are those who would run the animal to death just for that win.
I feel the same way about horse racing and dog racing...I'm sure some owners are blinded by dollar signs and the welfare of the animal is the last thing on their minds...but I'm sure that others do everything to ensure that the welfare of the horse or dog come first before the money.
This is just the way I feel and if someone disagrees that's fine...I'm not going to change someones mind because of my opinions but on the other hand nobody is going to change my mind with their opinion either.
I would never go to a dog sled race, a horse race, a dog race and NOTHING would make me ever go to a bullfight...I know bullfighting really shouldn't be lumped in there with the other things, I'm just saying that I wouldn't go watch or bet on any of those things because FOR ME it would be to upsetting.
Just my 2 cents
I saw dog sledding on TV once and wondered if the best interest of the dogs is taken into consideration or if those people only have one thing in mind...WINNING!
I'm sure there are many who would give up the chance at a win if one or more of the dogs was in some kind of distress, but on the other hand I'm sure there are those who would run the animal to death just for that win.
I feel the same way about horse racing and dog racing...I'm sure some owners are blinded by dollar signs and the welfare of the animal is the last thing on their minds...but I'm sure that others do everything to ensure that the welfare of the horse or dog come first before the money.
This is just the way I feel and if someone disagrees that's fine...I'm not going to change someones mind because of my opinions but on the other hand nobody is going to change my mind with their opinion either.
I would never go to a dog sled race, a horse race, a dog race and NOTHING would make me ever go to a bullfight...I know bullfighting really shouldn't be lumped in there with the other things, I'm just saying that I wouldn't go watch or bet on any of those things because FOR ME it would be to upsetting.
Just my 2 cents
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Really? How do you ever learn anything? I am totally open to having my mind changed by other people who know more than me or have really convincing, logical, cogent arguments. And I will always try to use the same kind of arguments to change other people's opinions, too. That is how people grow.
Speaking of opinions, I couldn't agree with you more re: bullfighting. Uggghhh that is horrendous.
Yes, really.
Like I said, it's my opinion and if someone disagrees so be it.
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Woah! Talk about OTT! I never said anything about stupidity, or right or wrong! I just asked a simple question. Don't put words in my mouth - all I wondered was why you are not willing to take on board that sometimes you can be wrong, and also, sometimes others can be wrong. I would be perfectly happy to accept your opinions if I heard your arguments backed up, and that you were convincing enough in your arguments, to change my opinions, and vice versa. I didn't say that HAD to be the way, I just wondered why you're not open to the possibility of it SOMETIMES being the way. Obviously it's not possible to disagree with your opinion, because I did and you got all abusive and angry.
To say, `That's my opinion, end of story' is just not enough in a rational argument. It might be my opinion that it's perfectly ok to go around kicking stray cats. Are you trying to tell me you would not, in that instance, try to change my mind? Of course, you are absolutely entitled to your opinions, but you can't hide behind them by saying `that's what I think and that's that' if you want anyone to take you seriously.
I'm NOT trying to start a fight, I'm just curious as to why you feel that way.
Edited to add: I see you've taken all the abuse out of your post. Thanks - appreciate that. Cos I really wasn't trying to have a go, even if it came across that way.
To say, `That's my opinion, end of story' is just not enough in a rational argument. It might be my opinion that it's perfectly ok to go around kicking stray cats. Are you trying to tell me you would not, in that instance, try to change my mind? Of course, you are absolutely entitled to your opinions, but you can't hide behind them by saying `that's what I think and that's that' if you want anyone to take you seriously.
I'm NOT trying to start a fight, I'm just curious as to why you feel that way.
Edited to add: I see you've taken all the abuse out of your post. Thanks - appreciate that. Cos I really wasn't trying to have a go, even if it came across that way.
As you can see, it looks as though I was editing my post as you were typing yours.
I re-thought what I typed because I thought I may have over reacted to what you said.
I'm not going to argue either.
As for why I feel the way I feel...the only answer is because it's my opinion.
That's it plain and simple.
Abuse?...I think that's a little over the top, but that's your opinion
That's meant as a joke, so please don't be offended.
I re-thought what I typed because I thought I may have over reacted to what you said.
I'm not going to argue either.
As for why I feel the way I feel...the only answer is because it's my opinion.
That's it plain and simple.
Abuse?...I think that's a little over the top, but that's your opinion
That's meant as a joke, so please don't be offended.
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Yeah fair enough - it was over the top. Again, I don't have an issue with anyone having opinions! My issue I suppose is when people refuse to discuss things and simply say, `Well, that's my opinion'. It makes it look like you can never be wrong, never change what you think, never value what others think. I'm sure that's NOT the way you are at all, that's just how it looks.
For example, it used to be my opinion that all religion was pointless and a waste of time. Until I met some religious people, listened to their views and changed my opinion. I'm not religious, but I'm not so hardnosed about it anymore, since listening to others and adjusting my views as a result.
I really was just curious as to whether there's any instance where you would be willing to do something like that? To adjust or change your views if you meet people or talk to people who know more than you, or make you see things in a different way. Or, alternatively, through discussion adjust or change other people's views. If not, then fine! I just wondered.
For example, it used to be my opinion that all religion was pointless and a waste of time. Until I met some religious people, listened to their views and changed my opinion. I'm not religious, but I'm not so hardnosed about it anymore, since listening to others and adjusting my views as a result.
I really was just curious as to whether there's any instance where you would be willing to do something like that? To adjust or change your views if you meet people or talk to people who know more than you, or make you see things in a different way. Or, alternatively, through discussion adjust or change other people's views. If not, then fine! I just wondered.
Easy guys....
I am not sure that I understand... The website that you linked is not condoning the races. They are trying to shed light on what they feel is the unethical treatment of the dogs. Some of what you say in your article are quotes that come from areas on this website. Are you writing your article to try and support this site? If so, why not contact the creators of the site and see if there is a way you can help them out?Originally Posted by DreamingRecover
Iditarod had a newspaper article saying "Dogs love to race!" I disagree: http://www.helpsleddogs.org/
I choose to be a voice for these Animals who have no voice and so I wrote my own article in which I hope to get published in the papers. I would love for you to read it and critique it in any way possible. I am not at all a good writer so I could really use your help.
So could these innocent dogs!
Iditarod: Dog sled race of death
Iditarod is a dog sled race held every March in Alaska. In this dog sled drivers (known as mushers) force their dogs to run one thousand one hundred fifty miles miles from Anchorage to Nome in eight to fifteen days over a grueling terrain.
In recent years musher's have pressed their dogs to run at ever increasing speeds, resulting in the extremely cruel treatment of dogs.
So how cruel is this race? In nineteen-ninety-seven, the Anchorage Daily News reported that "at least one-hundred seven [dogs] have died." Common causes of death include: strangulation from towlines, internal hemorrhaging after being gouged by a sled, pneumonia, liver injury, and heart failure. In fact, only fifty percent of the dogs on average will make it across the finish line.
When racing dogs cannot keep up they are often dragged during the race causing neck injuries. Many are far too often forced to run even when tired or ill.
The Iditarod violates accepted standards regarding animal cruelty as is shown by the laws of thrity-eight states and the District of Columbia. These thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have laws which state that "overdriving" and "overworking" commits cruelty to animals.
When will this race of death be over?
Any ideas at all? I would greatly appreciate anything, no matter how big or small!
I am not sure that I agree with the idea that spreading propoganda and posting "awareness" all over various websites is more beneficial than volunteering in shelters and helping the animals directly.
There are effective ways to educate people, but as someone else mentioned, it is important to go about the delivery in an appropriate manner. PETA and other organizations out there have a very bad rep, as you can tell at this point, most of the members here are very vocal about how unsupportive they are of that organization.
As far as the sled dogs... I am not very educated on them at all. It is my understanding that there are those people who push their dogs further than they should in hopes of winning a race. I highly doubt that these people represent the majority of those who are involved in these races. I think as goes with everything, these few people have given the sport an undeserved bad rep. In my opinion, your article woould have held more credibility with ME (I don't want to speak for everyone) if you would have given credit to those ethical racers, and then spoke about the unethical racers as a few instead of treating it as a whole.
I don't know if there is a point in trying to understand DreamingRecover, since we automatically didn't change our opinions, supprt him/her's views and agree that they were right, he/she is not coming back here I guess.
Way to go about educating people DreamingRecover.
That is exactly what I don't like about PETA and some similar groups like that. They have no communication skills I guess. If we don't change our views and blindly follow what they tell us we are not worth talking to anymore. That is NOT how you educate people and try to get them to listen to what you have to say. That only makes us not even interested in listening to what you have to say at all.
So come back DreamingRecover, tell us what is going on, what you are talking about. Don't just say what you think and when we question it, get all mad at us for not agreeing automatically and say you are never going to come back.
what is that ever going to accomplish?
Way to go about educating people DreamingRecover.
That is exactly what I don't like about PETA and some similar groups like that. They have no communication skills I guess. If we don't change our views and blindly follow what they tell us we are not worth talking to anymore. That is NOT how you educate people and try to get them to listen to what you have to say. That only makes us not even interested in listening to what you have to say at all.
So come back DreamingRecover, tell us what is going on, what you are talking about. Don't just say what you think and when we question it, get all mad at us for not agreeing automatically and say you are never going to come back.
what is that ever going to accomplish?
Just for clarification, I was trying to say that helping animals directly is more beneficial than spreading information which has not been verified or that is highly slanted.
What I said was in response to the OP's response to someone telling her to volunteer in a shelter... she said she did more than that by spreading "education".
Oh no, not PETA!! Did you know that PETA kills more than 90% of the animals they take in? PETA is a horrible organization that should NOT be supported!! For more information on these terrible AR Animal Rights groups such as PETA, HSUS, API, ALF and others, please read the truth here.http://www.animalscam.com/index.cfmI do support animal welfare, but I will never support ANY AR group. Did you also know that the HSUS makes enough money to support animal shelters in every state, yet they do not have any? I know this is a bit off topic, but since I saw a PETA supporter, I needed to point people in the right direction, so they know the truth about such groups.
Oh, on the other hand, we know the truth about PETA. I know first hand their evil tactics. I am very proud that most TCS members do not support PETA, from what I can tell, but DO support animal welfare
