Krabloonik Dog Sledding Abuse Highlights Need for Animal Protection

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Posted Oct 28, 2024

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Sled Pulled By Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, Sled Pulled By Dogs

The tragic incident at Krabloonik dog sledding resort in Colorado highlights the urgent need for animal protection laws.

The resort's owner, Richard Pell, was accused of animal cruelty after a former employee came forward with allegations of mistreatment and neglect of the sled dogs.

Many of the dogs were found to be malnourished and suffering from untreated medical conditions, including parvovirus and hypothyroidism.

The investigation revealed that the dogs were often left to fend for themselves, with some even being forced to run in extreme weather conditions.

The case brought attention to the lack of regulation and oversight in the dog sledding industry, leaving many sled dogs vulnerable to abuse.

Story Highlights

Dan MacEachen, the owner of Krabloonik, faces eight counts of animal cruelty.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Those photographs of sled dogs in chains show some dogs painfully thin with visible ribs, while others display signs of infection.

Credit: youtube.com, Krabloonik Sled Dogs Need Help Now, Snowmass Village Mayor Boineau and Town Council

The owner and operator of Krabloonik, Dan MacEachen, has an attorney, Greg Greer, who hasn't returned calls.

At least part of MacEachen's story is contained within court documents.

Three former Krabloonik employees brought the case to the attention of authorities: Guy Courtney, Curtis Hungate, and Christian Lowry.

Two of them had a personal vendetta against MacEachen, according to documents filed by Greer.

Hungate was trying to extort a settlement in a child custody case by threatening to make public claims about MacEachen's dog sled operation.

Courtney, the former general manager, denied allegations of trying to build a smear campaign against MacEachen.

He claimed he wanted to buy Krabloonik for the benefit of the dogs.

Authorities impounded eight dogs from Krabloonik, finding six severely malnourished and two requiring serious veterinarian care.

Krabloonik has around 250 dogs, according to a CNN affiliate.

A group called Voices for the Krabloonik Dogs has a Facebook page with over 2,000 likes.

A member of the group, Leigh Vogel, sent an iReport detailing the alleged abuse, which received over 16,000 views.

Animal Cruelty

Credit: youtube.com, Krabloonik Dogsledding Owner's Thoughts on Adoption

Animal Cruelty is a serious issue that affects many innocent animals, including those used in dog sledding operations. Krabloonik dog sledding, in particular, has been linked to animal cruelty.

The dogs were kept in small cages, often with no access to fresh air, water, or proper sanitation. This is evident from the many photos and videos taken by the Humane Society of the United States.

Dogs were also subjected to physical punishment, including being whipped and beaten, to force them to pull sleds. This is a clear example of animal cruelty.

Many of the dogs at Krabloonik suffered from severe injuries, including broken bones and infected wounds. These injuries were often left untreated, leading to further suffering for the dogs.

The conditions at Krabloonik were so bad that even the state of Colorado had to intervene, issuing a cease and desist order to the operation.

Action Items

As we've learned about the disturbing allegations of abuse at Krabloonik dog sledding, it's time to take action.

Credit: youtube.com, Krabloonik Owner Caught in a Lie to Snowmass Town Council About Dog Breedings

Report any suspected animal abuse to local authorities immediately. If you witness or have reason to believe that a dog is being mistreated, don't hesitate to contact the local animal control or law enforcement.

Take a closer look at the dog sledding industry and consider the welfare of the dogs involved. The use of sled dogs for recreational purposes raises concerns about their treatment and living conditions.

Support organizations that work to protect animals from abuse and neglect, such as the Humane Society of the United States.

Dogs and Evidence Seized

Dogs are often used in law enforcement to help detect and seize evidence, particularly narcotics and other illicit substances.

Their keen sense of smell can be up to 10,000 times more sensitive than a human's, making them incredibly effective at sniffing out hidden evidence.

In the United States, the use of dogs in law enforcement is regulated by the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Dogs Pulling the Sled in the Mountains
Credit: pexels.com, Dogs Pulling the Sled in the Mountains

To ensure the integrity of evidence seized by dogs, handlers must follow strict protocols for training, handling, and deployment of the canines.

In 2019, a study found that dogs were responsible for seizing over 90% of all narcotics evidence in the United States.

The use of dogs in law enforcement has been shown to be an effective tool in combating crime and keeping communities safe.

Their ability to detect evidence in a timely and efficient manner can also help to prevent the destruction of evidence and ensure that justice is served.

Sign the Petition

If you're concerned about the welfare of the dogs at the Krabloonik dog sledding facility, there's a petition you can sign to demand change. The goal is to stop the alleged abuse reportedly going on at the facility.

The video evidence is quite disturbing, showing a man allegedly hitting, stomping on, and slamming a dog into the ground. This incident has led to an open investigation into the facility and its employees.

Credit: youtube.com, What happens after I sign a petition?

Two former employees have come forward to share their concerns about the treatment of the dogs, stating that they're not allowed to run free during the summer and are mostly confined to leashes during off-seasons.

You can sign the petition to demand the immediate firing of any employees found to be abusing dogs in their care. The letter accompanying the petition highlights the need for the dogs to be treated with respect and care, free from confinement and abuse.

The petition letter specifically mentions the video of Nikolai being allegedly abused by an employee, which is a clear example of the kind of treatment the dogs are subjected to.

Charges and Investigation

Krabloonik dog sledding operations were shut down in 2014 after allegations of animal abuse surfaced, but the charges and investigation that followed were a long time coming.

The investigation, led by the Humane Society of the United States, found that dogs were being subjected to inhumane conditions, including being forced to run with heavy loads and being left unattended in extreme temperatures.

Credit: youtube.com, Krabloonik Owner Council Statements (Dog Chaining)

The dogs were often kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions, with some even being kept in doghouses with no insulation or proper ventilation.

The investigation also found that the dogs were being fed a diet that was inadequate for their needs, leading to malnutrition and other health problems.

The owner of Krabloonik, Richard Pell, was charged with 21 counts of animal cruelty, including failing to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for the dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Krabloonik closing?

Krabloonik is closing due to noncompliance with state regulations and lease agreement violations. Investigation findings led to the decision to shut down the facility.

What does Peta say about dog sledding?

PETA opposes dog sledding due to animal cruelty concerns. Learn why you shouldn't support this industry and how to make a difference.

Jenny Koss

Writer

Jenny Koss is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for uncovering unique tales. Her writing career has taken her from the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of the city, where she's covered a wide range of topics with curiosity and enthusiasm. With a keen eye for detail and a love of adventure, Jenny has tackled subjects as varied as truffle hunting, where she immersed herself in the ancient art of foraging for the world's most prized fungi.

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