Attractions to Avoid

Iditarod and Other Dog-Sled Races

In dog-sled races, dogs are forced to run in freezing temperatures, biting winds, and blinding snowstorms. In endurance races like the Iditarod, they are forced to run for hours at a time with little rest. Every year, several dogs die of "sudden death syndrome" (they are literally run to death), injuries, and illness.

Besides the obvious cruelty, dogs also pay a terrible price behind the scenes. Not every puppy is born a fast or strong runner, and those who do not make the grade are usually abandoned or killed. Those who do make the cut spend most of their time on chains or in cramped kennels that are rarely inspected by any regulatory agency. Click here to learn more about this race.