To the editor:
It's disappointing that students at John Gregg Elementary School are being encouraged to support the cruel treatment of dogs in the Iditarod ("Lesson at John Gregg Elementary School goes to the dogs," April 26.) Today's deadly race bears no resemblance to the original event -- an emergency delivery of diphtheria serum.
On average, dogs are forced to run more than 100 miles per day, with few -- and brief -- intervals of rest. They are subjected to biting winds, blinding snowstorms, sub-zero temperatures and falls through treacherous ice into frigid water. Their feet become bruised, bloodied, cut by ice and just plain worn out because of the vast distances they cover. Many dogs pull muscles, incur stress fractures or become sick with diarrhea, dehydration, intestinal viruses or bleeding stomach ulcers. Dogs have been strangled by tow lines, trampled by moose and hit by snowmobiles and sleds.
One wonders if the students hear one word about the very real cruelties associated with the race and the suffering of the dogs forced to participate.
Jennifer O'Connor
Animals in Entertainment
Campaign Writer
People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals