As you may know, there is a movie trailer titled 'Sled Dogs' on YouTube and scheduled to be shown at the Whistler Film Festival this year. The trailer begins with about 40 seconds of positive comment and narration but then quickly makes a sharp turn towards being extremely critical of not just a few mushers but of All Mushers and how sled dogs are treated poorly.
There is a website associated with the film which contained lists of kennels and sled dog businesses. When we attempted to view the website we were presented with a message that the site is down. The owners of the website have obtained the domain name anonomously, there is no way of determining the actual site owner based on their domain registration information.
Sled Dog Central located a page on the Whistler Film Festival website where comments can be left.
Below is what was submitted by Sled Dog Central.
We encourage you to submit your own comments to the film festival.
Hello,
It has come to my attention that the film 'Sled Dogs' has a trailer on YouTube (SLED DOGS Trailer | WFF16) and has been submitted or will be shown at your Film Festival.
My family has been in the sport of Sled Dog Racing for 50 years. In fact this season will be the 50th year my Dad has been racing sled dogs.
I am the owner and operator of the website 'Sled Dog Central', a site dedicated to dog pulling sports and the ethical and humane treatment of animals.
The film mentioned above DOES NOT depict the Love and Devotion that virtually all Mushers share towards their dogs - who are considered as members of their own family.
It would be difficult to find any segment of people where there are not some who behave contrary to the norms. It is my opinion that the film mentioned above only speaks about an extremely small percentage of the whole sport.
It is unfair to the sport - and to all those who strive to care for their animals with the Love and Devotion I mentioned - to promote this film.
I respectfully request that the Whistler Film Festival respectfully decline to continue to air this film.
I welcome an open discussion and dialogue on this topic.
I look forward to your emailed response, or you may call 401-Sled-Dog.
Sincerely,
Richard Hancock
Sled Dog Central