For more than 50 years, the Iditarod has been promoted as a test of human endurance and Alaskan grit. But behind the pageantry and sponsorship banners is a troubling record: more than 150 dogs have reportedly died since the race began. In 2025 alone, over 180 dogs were pulled off the trail due to exhaustion, illness, or injury—leaving remaining dogs to shoulder an even heavier burden across nearly 1,000 miles of punishing terrain.

Reports from the 2025 race detail dogs collapsing on the trail, breaking through ice into freezing rivers, and even running hundreds of miles while pregnant. The leading cause of death in the race has been identified as aspiration pneumonia, a condition that occurs when dogs inhale their own vomit. Animal advocates have also raised concerns about long-term health damage linked to extreme endurance racing, including heart strain, muscle breakdown, stomach lesions, and chronic inflammation.

This is a question of whether we, as a society, believe entertainment and sport justify this level of risk and suffering for animals who have no choice in the matter.

We are calling on the Iditarod Trail Committee to permanently end the race. We also urge the race’s remaining corporate sponsors to withdraw their financial support and publicly commit to humane, cruelty-free partnerships instead.

Alaskans and Americans across the political spectrum can agree on this: animals deserve protection from preventable harm. 

The Iditarod’s death toll will continue to rise until meaningful action is taken. Please stand with animal advocates, veterinarians, and concerned citizens by signing this petition to end the Iditarod and protect sled dogs from further suffering.

Dogs are not disposable athletes. They are living beings who depend on us to safeguard their well-being.