My new book “it’s howlin’ time!” is being blackballed in the Yukon because I am a known Animal Rights Advocate. Although not specifically about sled dogs, a section of my book is dedicated to the desperate plight of the Northern sled dogs and the ongoing abuse they are forced to endure.
Recently the manager of a large chain hotel in Whitehorse refused to carry my book and informed me she wouldn’t allow it on her property. She had recognized me as an animal rights advocate currently campaigning to end the barbaric Yukon Quest. – And just by coincident she also happens to sit on the board of directors of the Yukon Quest 1,000-mile Sled Dog Race. Discrimination? I’ll let you decide.
In another incident when my book was presented by an agent at an establishment in Dawson City Yukon the proprietor took one look at the cover and asked menacingly, "Do you support this?", and when the answer was "Absolutely!", he was ordered off the property. – It’s interesting to note that Dawson City is also the home riding of the Premier of the Yukon, Sandy Silver. Can you say discrimination? I’ll let you decide.
Sled dogs are some of the most-abused animals in the world! A friend recently commented on a Facebook post about the subject of my book being blackballed in the Yukon saying: “People don't want to admit that you are speaking the Truth. They want to hide the Truth, so they can keep making money from those poor animals' suffering and Lives.” - Sounds about right to me.
The annual 1,000-mile Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race takes place right here in my hometown. I call it THE DEATH RACE. Every year at least one dog dies in agony. Last year Boppy the Sled Dog died when he choked to death on his own vomit in minus -55 degrees below zero temperatures up above Dawson City Yukon – this is the single most common cause of death in these races. This year on February 11 2019 another 5 year-old sled dog named Joker died the same way. One year four dogs died in one race and every year I have to ask myself – how many dogs will die this year?
Sled Dog Racing - The Ugly Truth
Long-distance sled dog racing is nothing short of GOVERNMENT-SANCTIONED ANIMAL ABUSE. A year ago I posted a petition online asking the Yukon Government to stop funding the Yukon Quest and even though over 80,000 people from 161 countries on all 7 continents around the world have signed it the Yukon Government continues to fund this barbaric event using taxpayers’ dollars – allotting $171,000 to the Yukon Quest last year alone.
If you want to help the northern sled dogs remember them. Remember the dogs who sit in the dark in sub-zero temperatures with only a frozen water dish for company. Remember the dogs who run for hundreds of miles over sharp ice with no foot protection because their boots flip off during the race - remember the male dogs who suffer frostbite to their unprotected genitals. Remember the ones that died from their injuries after the race and the countless others who are routinely culled. Remember that many deaths go unreported. Remember that their lives are no better during summer when they sit forgotten on the end of a chain in the blazing heat of the midnight sun. The death toll is massive and it keeps climbing.
We are the stewards of the creatures with whom we share this planet and it’s up to us to honour, to respect, and to protect them. If we don’t stand up and speak out for the voiceless who will?
Join me in speaking for those who have no voice. Visit my website at: pj johnson Poet Laureate of the Yukon
Sign & Share the petition and make a Donation to support it and help raise awareness. Join me on Twitter @pjjohnsonYukon. Tell your friends & family about the sled dogs. If you are a parent or an educator tell your children and students about the importance of protecting these precious sentient beings.
Those with a vested interest in this barbaric event are legion! However, although they may have greatly outnumbered me at one time they are now decidedly in the minority – over 80,000 people from 161 countries on all 7 continents around the world say so!
Thank you all for your wonderful show of support to help the Northern Sled Dogs! With every signature and donation you help to raise awareness. - Let’s get that number up to 150,000 and show ‘em we mean business!
Remember – “If just one person stands up and speaks the truth if can never be unheard. If many speak it cannot be ignored.” because i am a sled dog
On September 3rd 2019 I will be featured as Poet Laureate at The Art Bar in Toronto where I will also speak about The Plight of the Northern Sled Dogs. Be sure and join me there if you happen to be in the neighbourhood! In the meantime….
Say a prayer for the sled dogs. They deserve so much better!
“When you speak for those who have no voice your soul smiles.”