Sled Dog Killings Not Ordered by Outdoor Adventures Whistler

Feb 1, 2011
Tamara Laschinsky

Oudoor Adventures Whistler BC denies order to kill 100 sled dogs - Photo by: Rona Proudfoot with permission

The spokesman for Outdoor Adventures Whistler, Graham Aldcroft, now says the company did not order the killing of 100 sled dogs in April 2010.

January 31, 2011 - In a new turn of events, Outdoor Adventures Whistler, is now saying they did not order the killing of 100 sled dogs in April 2010. At the time of the killings, Howling Dogs owned the company and the current company, Outdoor Adventures, did not know the details surrounding the removal of the sled dogs.

Outdoor Adventures Whistler British Columbia Did Not Order Sled Dogs Killed

Spokesman for Outdoor Adventures Whistler, Graham Aldcroft, appeared on camera, to represent the company. Aldcroft went on record saying that the company, Outdoor Adventures, did not order the killing of 100 sled dogs in April of 2010, and that they were unaware of the manner in which the dogs would be treated. He admitted the company knew some dogs may face euthanization, but thought most would be relocated. Any dogs that had to be killed, the company expected it would be done "in a proper, in a legal and a humane manner" says Aldcroft. The company's policy now details that any animals needing to be euthanized, will be treated at a vet's office.

Howling Dogs Made Decision to Kill 100 Sled Dogs

The employee who was responsible for killing the sled dogs had received compensation for his troubles and local radio station, CKNW, acquired documents surrounding the incident. CKNW gave those documents to the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, SPCA, and a cruelty investigation was opened. The SPCA, along with the RCMP, are now investigating the allegations.

At the time of the killings, Howling Dogs owned the company and was responsible for the removal of the sled dogs. Outdoor Adventures Whistler took over the company in May 2010. While Outdoor Adventures had a financial stake in Howling Dogs, operational control was with the employee who was referred to in the WorkSafe BC documents.

The owner of the dogs says he felt he had no choice in having to kill the dogs, indicating a veterinarian refused to euthanize the dogs because they were healthy.

Local Whistler Residents Outraged at Killing of Sled Dogs

As /A\ News Vancouver Island reports, residents of Whistler British Columbia are outraged at the company responsible for slaughtering the sled dogs last April. Residents are shocked to hear this level of animal cruelty is present in their backyard and many do not understand why the company did not try harder to relocate the dogs.

This story has reached global awareness since it was released, and people across the world are expressing shock and disbelief. A Facebook page has been created for those who wish to boycott Outdoor Adventures Whistler and Tourism Whistler has suspended reservations for the dog sledding company.

RCMP are also conducting investigations into "serious threats" to those who were involved in the killing of these sled dogs.

Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!

Comments

Feb 1, 2011 9:44 AM

Guest :

I think Outdoor Adventures are lying, cruel Psychopaths; I hope the demonic SOB
that did this will do the right thing and commit suicide......That evil, monstrous, piece of sub-humanity...piece of garbage.

Feb 1, 2011 10:20 AM

Guest :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/support-justice-for-the-100-slaughtered-sled- dogs-of-whistler/199080780106020

Feb 1, 2011 10:30 AM

Guest :

A very very sad report. How is this possible in this time and age and here in Canada ? Killing seals is not bad enough, now we are killing dogs too.

Feb 1, 2011 10:57 AM

Guest :

See this is why i hate people! Why could the dogs not be re-homed? These people need to be named and shamed and the company should be boycotted give them no more business. The pain and terror these dogs went through would be unbelievable and there is not excuse they could ever give that would make it right. I just hope they burn in hell for the rest of their lives for this. And as for the employee who received compensation he should have been given nothing and also be held accountable for his actions he could have refused and gone straight ot the revelant authorities and reported this. He is just as guilty.

Feb 1, 2011 11:23 AM

Guest :

Who in their right mind thinks someone should commit suicide. That is crazy talk and you should be referred to treatment for your anger issues.

Feb 1, 2011 11:25 AM

Guest :

If Outdoor Adventures told me it was raining outside ----- I would go myself to see. Their 'excuse' is so weak it's actually insulting to offer it up and seriously expect anyone to accept it. Financial control IS operational control in any organization as anyone in business knows full well.
This malignant organization is of course upset by this news story. It's upset that it is a news story. The compensation hearing was in April of 2010 and yet in January 2011, Captain Renault, the spokes-weasel for the company says it was totally unaware of what their agent did with the dogs, and that they were shocked to learn of this horror. And yet the company contributed statements to the compensation hearing in April correcting the number of dogs 'eliminated' from 70 to 100. Did it not even bother to read their 'employees' claim ?

The Sgt.Schultz defense didn't even work for Sgt.Schultz. I am perfectly confident it won't work for these guys any better. I note that neither the designated spokes-weasel nor anyone else from Outdoor Adventures is making any further comments but that they have all lawyered up. I wonder why.

Feb 1, 2011 11:27 AM

Guest :

Here is what Howling Dogs has posted on their site... so who is right? Why has Outdoor Adventures not posted anything????
This statement is from Howling Dog Tours Ltd., based out of Canmore, Alberta, regarding recent news filings and misinformation produced from Outdoor Adventures Whistler.
As of 2004, the owners of Howling Dog Tours Ltd. (Canmore) sold their interest in "Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc." to Mr. Robert Fawcett in its entirety. We DO NOT HAVE any involvement with that company, and have not since 2004. We are shocked and saddened by these events, however, we have not had any interest or control of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. since 2004. To our knowledge, the company in Whistler, B.C. was operating as “Whistler Dogsledding”.
The dogs referred to in the media belonged to "Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc." and/or "Whistler Dogsledding", of which Rich and Dana Bittner, and Howling Dog Tours Canmore ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH.

Feb 1, 2011 12:03 PM

Guest :

Nice spin! Total BS - corporate shell game here to avoid situations like this. The Adventure Group president Joey Hussien set it that way. Wake up...

Feb 1, 2011 12:26 PM

Guest :

Just curious - what does the NEW company policy say will happen when a vet refuses to euthanize a healthy animal?

If a vet refused to euthanize 100 healthy animals in April 2010 (as indicated in the article) and Howling Dogs / Outdoor Adventures had 100 too-healthy-for-a-vet-to-euthanize dogs to deal with WHY did they not contact the SPCA to help?

Feb 1, 2011 12:30 PM

Guest :

'The owner of the dogs says he felt he had no choice in having to kill the dogs, indicating a veterinarian refused to euthanize the dogs because they were healthy.'

If the dogs were healthy, why did their owner kill them?

Feb 1, 2011 12:49 PM

Guest :

Is there not some kind of program they could have started to get the dogs ready and out to adopted homes? What kind of sick people think that killing 100 living things is an acceptable practice to obtain a better bottom line Outdoor Adventures are total liars and the "howling dogs" place is no better either.

Feb 1, 2011 12:54 PM

Guest :

Extremely heart breaking. Honest, what is this world coming too? I am soo saddened by this news report.

Feb 1, 2011 1:07 PM

Guest :

I agree that Outdoor Adventures is lying they knew damn well what was going to happen to the dogs. They should have all animals in their care removed, and this sick operation that they are running shut down. The sicko that actually carried out the killing is a very sick and disturbed individual and should be locked up how long until he turns his obvious violent tendensies on humans! The world should boycott Outdoors Adventures, and I am so ashamed that these cruel people are Canadian :(

Feb 1, 2011 1:08 PM

Guest :

well i hope they get what they deserve who ever was involved should be shot themselves just like that dog that got shot in the face just because some greety animal hater lost money or wasnt making money what a low life piece of garbage oh and for the 5th guy that commented i guess you never owned a dog in your life

Feb 1, 2011 1:27 PM

Guest :

Ya right. This business had 300 sled dogs for the Olympics and knew they could not support them for life. The owner's father recently made 125 million selling Whistler ski hill... I'm pretty sure they could have supported these poor dogs. No matter the corporate spin, this company and everyone in it has no humanity.

Feb 1, 2011 1:40 PM

Guest :

There is a special place in hell for people like this!

Feb 1, 2011 2:12 PM

Guest :

I think these people who were involved are pathetic and should be treated the same way the dogs were because they are a waste to society. Thanks.

Feb 1, 2011 2:22 PM

Guest :

I hope the image of the terrified innocent faces of the sled dogs that you tortured and murdered will haunt you forever, you DIRTY BAG!

Feb 1, 2011 2:33 PM

Guest :

There is no need for treatment like this of animals at all what so ever. I lived in Whistler for 3 years and everyone there is an animal lover. I am in shock that he killed these poor dogs who were in great health. I think that the company is covering this upas best they can and playing the blame game. Its a discrace that we as a people feel its ok to do this to animals. The guy who did this is a monster and no wonder the guilt is getting to him. These dogs were healthy the vets did not want to put them down so he decided uopn himself to kill not 1 but 100. I am beside myself about this. I love husky's they are brilliant animals and for them to endure watching each other be killed they must have been terrified. The saddest part is he raised them from puppies its like killing your children. Wake up people relocate animals give them a chance before you as a human being decide thier fate. Sad sad sad.

Feb 1, 2011 2:39 PM

Guest :

Lets put this into perspective:

1. Have a finanical stake in a company yet remain oblivious to the way in which it operates.
2. Do not attempt to relocate your animals or offer for adoption.
3. Be knowledgable that your animals are to be euthanised yet do not ensure that this is carried out in the most humane way possible.
4. Kill then be compensated.

WTF?

Terance and Phillip from South Park now make perfect sense to me!

Screw Whistler, I'll just continue travelling back to Niseko Japan with my family.

Feb 1, 2011 2:56 PM

Guest :

Why is Worksafe BC releasing someone's private and personal medical documents to the press? Shouldn't people be just as outraged at the BC government's cavalier handling of this man's privacy? It is shameless.

Feb 1, 2011 2:57 PM

Guest :

Seems that Canadians like to kill animals in the most inhumane and brutal way. They beat seals to death with clubs and now this; it is so disgustin, perhaps it is a part of their French heritage. I will never visit Canada ever again.

Michael
Horsham
Australia

Feb 1, 2011 3:06 PM

Guest :

In the actual Media Release from OAW (http://newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2011/31/c6559.html) it states that "OAW was aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dogs in April 2010 but it was our expectation that it was done in a proper, legal and humane manner." now they claim they did not have a say in this. They are trying to back track.

The real question is why euthanization 100 healthy dogs, weather its legal or not!?!

OAW needs to be shut down, its sick that they are still operating right now.

Feb 1, 2011 3:06 PM

Guest :

Feb 1, 2011 3:08 PM

Guest :

What a sad and shocking story...What a waste....I mean they could have at least made some special addition olympic dog fur coats out of there hides. I cannot beleive this has made the news. They could not find homes for the dogs so they had to destroy them......End Of Story.....

Feb 1, 2011 3:09 PM

Guest :

"At the time of the killings, Howling Dogs owned the company and was responsible for the removal of the sled dogs", - "The owner of the dogs says he felt he had no choice in having to kill the dogs".
Then the owner/general manager/employee in April 2010 performs the inhumane slaughter of 100 dogs, then sells the balance of his share in the operation with the dog team now reduced to 200 to Outdoor Adventures Whislter May 2010 and then files a WCB claim and Outdoor Adventures confirms to WCB owner/general manager/employee did this.

Feb 1, 2011 3:14 PM

Guest :

What crap,spin and blame shifting. Boycott all of these businesses that exploit animals. Where a profit motive exists animals used in that profit motive will ALWAYS suffer! Hope all those involved will be prosecuted. I for one will work to ensure that happens. Consider writing your local MLA about tougher legislation and an outright ban of commercial dog sledding!!

Feb 1, 2011 3:34 PM

Guest :

The fact that this happened is disgusting... animals are not things that can be thrown out (or killed in this case) when they are no longer needed. The human race is sick!

Feb 1, 2011 3:38 PM

Guest :

What this article didn't mention were the horrible details, the screeching, panic and terror those dogs went through from the botched attempts. This company acquired the excess number of dogs so they could make as much money as possible during the Olympics tourist surge. I'm sure they knew that they would be shot when tourist levels returned to normal. I doubt a vet refused to euthanize them. Shooting them is cheaper than a vet. Absolute scum of the Earth.

Feb 1, 2011 4:08 PM

Guest :

Using the word euthanasia to describe the disposing of superfluous 'assets' is as despicable as it is innaccurate. One euthanizes to end untreatable pain not to protect a bottom line. This organization simply rounded up these dogs they could no longer afford and brutally murdered them by shooting, sometimes more than once due to poor aim, and then by slitting their throats because that was "easier". They don't care that these are living beings who feel fear and pain and who are capable of building bonds of loyalty and friendship. Just assets for their almighty profits. Now they deny responsibility for their heinous act. Miscreants, all of them.

Feb 1, 2011 4:19 PM

Guest :

I think this story is just about damage control by Outdoor Adventures, how could they possibly not know about a mass killing of assets they were to eventually own, I call it BS.

Feb 1, 2011 4:40 PM

Guest :

I am upset and outraged at the business practices of killing healthy dogs by Out Door Adventures in Whistler BC. Have that company shut down immediately and the remaining dogs seized by animal health authorities. These animals too are at risk for abuse by the owners as they are viewed as commodities, and NO I do not believe the PR report submitted by Out Door Adventures. Shut them down and name all the business partners in the company, and charge the owners with cruelty to animals.

Feb 1, 2011 5:11 PM

Guest :

The reason they did not give the dogs to the SPCA for adoption is simple : They thought it would give them a bad publicity, and that's all they cared about.

A public statement by the SPCA mentioning that in similar situation they are willing to take the animals and sign a non disclosure agreement could help preventing such cases.

Regarding this disgusting company, a complete boycott, if sustained, and aggressive (picketing, meeting their customers explaining what happened, informing travel agencies here and abroad so that they don't send their customers there) could be very effective and force them to shutdown their operations. Legal options should also be examined carefully.

Feb 1, 2011 5:12 PM

Guest :

Feb 1, 2011 5:28 PM

Tamara Laschinsky :

The amount of public awareness has been amazing and the pressure is on to uncover the truth and make guilty people pay -though no amount of punishment will make up for this horrific act. Every country, every city, has bad apples, and this one incident has left a dark cloud over a very nice community.

As a note: I appreciate everyone's comments, but just be aware, all comments are approved before appearing on this board. As author of this article, I do not wish to have "fights" or "over the line" comments associated with the topic. Most comments are approved, but those with extreme profanity and details of how you would torture the guilty people - are simple just not allowed! So be professional with your comments, vent your anger for sure and demand changes in animal protection rules, but keep it clean(ish)!

No doubt many people in these companies were aware of the details and are now trying to backpedal, but the public is smarter than that and charges will be laid and hopefully, memories will last long and end the guilty businesses who took part in such brutal slayings.

Feb 1, 2011 5:34 PM

Guest :

I am horrified and deeply saddened by this wanton killing of dogs. There were so many options available to the tour operator. I do not, for one minute, buy the explanations that Alaskans are not adoptable. Any Alaskan that I have seen is gentle and shy, and like any dog, live to please their owners.

I live in a major urban centre and own a wonderful Alaskan husky, a beautiful, full of life, intelligent, sensitive and affectionate animal who came from a sled dog business. I have had none of the problems the some of the interviewers claim to occur in adopting sled dogs, i.e.being viscious, etc. (her best friend is a cat). My dog is tethered for her own safety when she is outdoors as she is at risk for injury from vehicular traffic. She accepts this and is allowed to go in and out of the house with the frequency of a young child.

Understanding and accommodating breed specific behaviours is the dog owners' responsibility. A dog's behaviour, both positive and negative, is a direct reflection of the owner, not the dog. Unfortunately I have seen too many owners who do not deserve the dog entrusted to their care. High energy and intelligence presents a need to provide a stimulating environment which only enriches the life of the owner. Several of the dogs on the trail, in the videos, look exactly like my previous and current pets.I grieve for those animals, how horrible an ending.

The perpetrators must be brought to justice for this horrific crime - pleading "no choice" and ignorance is no defense. I have not seen any evidence of either company, mentioned in the reports, attempting to find new homes for these dogs. I, for one, would have provided a loving home as I am sure many others would have.

Feb 1, 2011 5:52 PM

Guest :

your headline is not true. on their website they make a statement saying that they did in fact order the kill, they just thought the manager would do it differently. regardless, they are all scumbags. killing 100 dogs should not be a business decision. they were greedy trying to capitalize on the olympics opportunity and had no regard for the animals they knew they wouldn't need later. outdoor adventures whistler, howling dog tours whistler, and robert fawcett are all responsible and are all among the lowest of life forms on this earth. they must be held to account. and by the way, what about all the people who must have known about this atrocity for the past 10 months?? you should be ashamed for not speaking up.

Feb 1, 2011 6:50 PM

Guest :

I really hope the company closes down . I hope all those involved are persecuted to full extent of the law and beyond .
And if there any vigillantes or guerillas in animal welfare out there ..please go after them .

Feb 1, 2011 7:21 PM

Guest :

i guess it will all come out soon, shame on you whoever is too blame! no profit is worth the lives of these dogs!

Feb 1, 2011 8:42 PM

Guest :

The reason the dogs were put to death was strictly a monetary decision. They do not consider these animals as dogs, but money making tools. When your tool is not making money, you get rid of it. This mind set has been going on in the greyhound racing business for decades. Fortunately many greyhound adoption agencies have sprung up all over the US since their plight was made public, but I'm certain there are many of these magnificent animals still being killed each year!!

Feb 1, 2011 9:15 PM

Guest :

Feb 1, 2011 10:23 PM

Guest :

The senseless killing of the Huskies goes beyond cruelty and barbarism. If the business was experiencing a slump, this apalling situation will now only make matters worse. The human ego is the real cause of this problem, not the Husky.
Canada also has an on-going animal cruelty issue known as the annual Seal Cub slaughter and from what I hear, stray dogs which are tethered are used for the perpetrator to practise upon for the beating. So Canadians, what do you intend to do about both issues?

Feb 1, 2011 10:27 PM

Guest :

I live in Tropical Queensland, Australia and sadly, Paedophiles are kept alive in prisons at the expense of the taxpayer whilst these beautiful animals are cruely slaughtered as a 'financial decision' HELLO??? The wanker who performed this brutal act had better watch his back.

Feb 1, 2011 10:39 PM

Guest :

There seems to be some question on who owned this company at the time of this horrible crime. Once determination is made on the owner(s) responsible there should be 100+ charges of animal cruelty charges to start with. Why did the employee not tell his boss to kiss off and call authorities. This employee(s) should also be charged for carrying this crime out.

Feb 2, 2011 1:20 AM

Guest :

Outdoor Adventures Whistler knew the dogs were going to be killed. Since no self respecting vet would euthanize a healthy dog, what did Outdoor Adventures Whistler think was going to happen? Their argument didn't work at Nuremberg, so why should it work now?

Feb 2, 2011 2:05 AM

Guest :

Barbaric, cruel and evil. and this monster is seeking sympathy and compenstion? I hope this company and person are tortured for the rest of their lives just like they tortured and killed those helpless animals. Nothing but greed, may they roast in hell.

Feb 2, 2011 9:02 AM

Guest :

I was utterly horrified when i heard about this. I am so disgusted by this whole thing and it makes one wonder what kind of world we live in when these murderers have shown their true character and yet the media is still centering around his charitable work. These horrible people should burn in Hell! These were Champion Olympic Dogs that deserved the best! The people that did this are MONSTERS!!

Feb 2, 2011 10:27 AM

Guest :

We cannot eliminate all evil in the world, but we can and should do our best to minimize the suffering it causes (Matthew 5:7, Acts 20:35, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ephesians 4:32, 1 John 3:17-18).

Feb 2, 2011 11:17 AM

Guest :

Joey Houssain, son of former Intrawest chief Joe Houssain. Intrawest owns Whistler. Connect the dots!
If Intrawest knows what is good for business, they will use their influence to see that justice is served. If they instead choose to protect the son of the former CEO, a lot of skiers will not ever go to Intrawest resorts again.
PLEASE write Intrawest and the BC authorities and demand justice for this act. Mr Houssain needs to be put in jain.

Feb 2, 2011 8:04 PM

Guest :

The actions of the individuals involved with this are in a word, reprehensible! It shakes my faith in human principals and decency. Dogs are high order animals, most of which trust humans and live to please and work for humans. They do it bcause they want to. To violate that trust, for the sake of proffit in an enterprise, is unfathonable.
As for the responsibility, the buck stops at both of the buisness partners in this enterprise. I can say that even here in Nevada where the rights of the ranching and agricultrial community are protected, there would be prison time awaiting those involved in something like this. The community would simply not put up with this type of behavior.

Feb 2, 2011 8:26 PM

Guest :

Thank you for posting this article. Public, worldwide treatment of sled dogs desperately needs scrutiny. Yes, many outfits treat dogs well. But I hope the massacre of these dogs will bring focus on the abuse of sled and working dogs. Do you think this is an isolated incident? Check out the history of treatment of dogs in Iceland, for example. Please bring attention and, subsequently, more humane treatment to working dogs.

Feb 3, 2011 7:43 AM

Tamara Laschinsky :

I think it is really important to keep in mind that while these events took place in Whistler, it does not mean the citizens of Whistler are evil too! I have received many comments on these articles from people saying they will never visit Whistler again or even Canada for that matter.

Please people, be realistic - one city, one province, one country, can not be judged due to one bad apple or an organization of bad apples! I'm sure we all live in a town/city, province, country, that has some bad history in it- but it doesn't make you evil by default. The people of Whistler are disgusted and outraged, as are those from BC, as are the people of Canada. Nobody likes killers, be it human or animal, and right now the common theme is wanting justice to be done. Nothing will bring the dogs back, jail time will make us feel better and hopefully, better rules get in place to protect future dogs from any harm.

Feb 3, 2011 9:22 AM

Guest :

I feel sick to death after reading the cruelty that these people imposed on 100 healthy, adoptable dogs. These great animals worked their "tails" off during the Olympics bringing in money to their owners and then to be killed in such a cruel manner is impossible to comprehend. I hope and wish that the people responsible for these executions receive jail sentences.

Feb 3, 2011 10:20 AM

Guest :

It is encouraging to know that there are still those who stand for humane treatment of our four-legged friends. I personally am so sad about the deaths of these magnificent creatures. Had I known, there are many friends of my family as well as I who would have adopted .
The perpetrators need to be made accountable for their crime. To me this is right alongside Michael Vick and his mistreatment of dogs.

Feb 3, 2011 12:49 PM

Guest :

This is disgusting and it saddens me to think that someone could point blank shoot a completely healthy animal that is usually deemed "man's best friend." Some best friend right? What's next?...we starting shooting our family members because it's to expensive, but as long as we do it in a humane way it'll pass in court. The jerk should have to endure the same treatment that these poor dogs did.

Feb 3, 2011 7:45 PM

Guest :

I am totally upset about this. My daughter and I we had the most beautiful time with the dog sled. After the ride she was feeding them and giving them water. Makes me and her extremely ungry that this poor animals that the only thing they love is run and be free were kill in such a manner. All I can wish that the people that were involved on this wil pay and perhaps they also need to be burry alive and see how they will feel. Animals they can't speak but one thing they do know is showing their love an affection to their owner. This time I really hope that the RCMP take control of this and make this people take resposibility for their acts.
Magali

Feb 5, 2011 6:11 PM

Guest :

The owner of this company has very deep pockets. His daddy has even deeper pockets. He got himself a team of lawyers in place and a PR company as soon as this went public. No matter what any investigation finds, Mr. Hussian will NOT be prosecuted. It just wont happen. Whistler may loose a small amount of business for a while, but after a year or two things will go back to normal. And the man that ordered the killings will still live in his mansion at Whistler, throwing parties for all his local buddies and living like a king. It's the power of money people. Not much can be done about that. My days of spending big money to travel to Whistler may be over. Dont wanna think my money will make its way into his pocket too.

Feb 5, 2011 7:09 PM

Guest :

Canada does love animals. I love animals. I live in Canada.
Whistler is great. The town of Whistler has nothing to do with the killings.

But I do not like Outdoor Adventures Whistler and The Adventure Group (TAG) and other company that uses TAG to book their business. I

will boycott them forever.
I will not go to Whistler as long as these businesses operate there.

Proud Canadian and Dog Lover!!!!!
I

Feb 5, 2011 11:45 PM

Guest :

Spokesman for Outdoor Adventures Whistler, Graham Aldcroft, appeared on camera, and went on to admit that the company was aware that "some dogs may face euthenasia". "Any dogs that had to be killed, the company expected it would be done "in a proper, in a legal and a humane manner" says Aldcroft. How would 'proper, legal and humane' enter into any killing of healthy dogs? The first clue would have been the veterinarian who refused to "euthenize" the healthy dogs, as would any reputable veterinarian. And then the company did not bother to find out the method of "euthenasia".??? "The company policy now details that any animals needing to be euthanized, will be treated at a vet's office." WHAT? Taking absolutely no responsibility for causing the slaughter, either through malicious intent of wilfull neglect, and making NO STATEMENT that healthy dogs will not be KILLED in future. What at OAW consititutes "a need for euthenasia" ? Not nearly good enough. The company needs to be shut down and the people involved prosecuted with real prison sentences imposed. No MORE HELPLESS ANIMALS can be put at risk and sacrificed.
Shame, shame on Graham Aldcroft and everyone at Outdoors Adventures Whistler. You had a duty to know what was happening. And shame on all the rest of us, Police, SPCA, RCMP, Animal Welfare advocates and private citizens if we do not ensure these actions are punished and stopped.

Feb 6, 2011 10:25 AM

Guest :

I'm very deceived and angry about these cruel killings. These dogs were shot in a so bad way and many of them mutilated. OMG No sense at all. I can imagine their fear knowing that the next one executed will be him. Unacceptable! They lived the hell before dying. How those things can take place in our country in 2011? I'm really shocked and out of mind. I strongly hope that they will be in jail for a long time all of those who were participating. The employee-butcher does not deserve pity at all. He took the wrong decision. No mercy at all for all of them. Canada got a very bad image from a few weeks everywhere across the world. But they have been killed those dogs last year? OMG all this time it was secrete? that's evil! Where is the Canada that I liked before? The justice must take care in this case. Justice for those who killed innocent animals for.............money pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff I'm ashamed.

Feb 6, 2011 11:43 AM

Guest :

Where are we? Canada? OMG What an unacceptable thing! Poor dogs, all killed in a so bad way. Their last view is a guy who used to take them for a sledding time, decide to kill them one by one. They fell terror, before their turn happens, seeing the other ones falling down on the ground. And then they saw how mad was their leader. The real leader was a coward. He never loved them in the right way. They lived the hell before dying. End of the tourney. It took 10 months before people know exactly what happened is those sad two days of terror. I'm so ashamed and very angry. Those dogs did not deserve it at all. I hope justice in that special case. Those one hundred deaths should not have happened. Not at all. Come on! Canada is a beautiful place to live but the laws are so weak. Many people do not care at all of this. With money they can buy anything they want. But this time, it's over. All Canadians and the whole world want that these bad things stop for good. No money can buy what they did to these sled dogs. We want a severe sanction. Prison. And money to give to the others animals to let them live their lives properly. They died because of money. Then this money must return to them. Justice for all. I hope everyone will not be deceived about the results. Our anger is still there. We just calm down for a while.

Feb 6, 2011 6:28 PM

Guest :

there is always a scape goat for all these big business but we all know there has to be some one to give the orders and the company who employed these people have to be prosecuted and put out of business because they think money gives them the right to get away with it. too many beautiful animals have died and suffered due to people being careless of there wellbeing and have them just to serve what ever thier purpose is and then discarded like they dont matter i hope they find out the hard way that they do matter

Feb 7, 2011 1:01 PM

Guest :

Is there any truth to the rumor that Outdoor Adventures/Howling Dog is going to hire Michael Vick?

Feb 8, 2011 5:06 PM

Guest :

This is such PR bull-crap! First OAW said they didn't know about, or order the slaughter. Oh yeah...one month later they buys up what's left of the dogs through a sweet deal with the owner. Then, a few days later, good old Joey Hussein says only a few "OLD" "SICK" dogs were to be put down. Excuse me, now this Bigshot businessman did know about the killing, but was totally in the dark as to the real numbers (as if a millionaire penny pincher like this guy wouldn't check all the details in a deal)...and the excuses just keep rolling out. Smells like a backroom deal and they all got caught with their pants down. These bottom-feeding money-grubbers are worried that their business might not be as profitable as they had hoped. Final insult, good old Joey Boy says that the original dogs' owner Mr. FAWCETT is a REAL dog lover and hated to do the dirty deed!!! Boy, oh boy, if that guy is a dog lover, I'd hate to see who MR. HUSSEIN calls a dog hater???????

Feb 22, 2011 6:01 AM

Guest :

"The owner of the dogs says he felt he had no choice in having to kill the dogs,"
...a bit misleading? Joey Houssian owned 80% of Howling Dogs and was the sole director at the time of the dog slaughter. A bit hard to believe BF slaughtered 100 of his healthy dogs without JH's sayso. Also a bit hard to believe that many dogs got 'sick and old' needing euthanization all at once - particularly at a time BF had serious arm problems and was two weeks away from surgery on both arms. Really, is anyone asking the relevant questions here?

"The company's policy now details that any animals needing to be euthanized, will be treated at a vet's office.".......'treated' at a vet's office? Also the true definition of 'euthanasia' is to relieve the suffering of the animal, not relieve the financial burden for greedy people who accumulate too many animals without any plan for their care in an economic downturn.

Jul 26, 2011 12:13 PM

Guest :

Please NEVER, EVER go to support this company: "Outdoor Adventures at Whistler", if the CEO of this company is that greedy than you know the rest! They don't care about anything but the bottom line, I hope this company goes BANKRUPT and the CEO and whoever decided get's thrown in the mass grave, see how he would like it! Makes me sick to my stomach!!!! Karma is a BITCH!

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