Criminal charges sought in dog's death at Alaska sled race
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This undated photo provided by Squid Acres Kennel shows racing dog Dorado, who died during the Iditarod race on Friday, March 15, 2013. The dog's death has outraged animal rights activists who have long criticised the 1,600-km race as cruel. -- FILE PHOTO: AP
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - The asphyxiation death of a dog dropped from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has outraged animal rights activists who have long criticised the 1,600-km race as cruel.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is urging Alaska prosecutors to file cruelty charges against those responsible for the death of 5-year-old Dorado, who died last week after being buried by drifting snow at a checkpoint during severe wind.
"It's a horrifying death, and we feel it was totally preventable," PETA cruelty caseworker Kristin Simon said on Tuesday.
It was the first Iditarod dog death since 2009 when six dogs died, Iditarod chief veterinarian Stuart Nelson said.
