Though Iditarod race officials are refusing to point a finger of blame against anyone in the death of a dropped sled dog who died at a race checkpoint, they do intend to implement changes, reported Fox News on Thursday.
The Iditarod Trail Committee has been asked to create new protocols for the care of dogs who are dropped from the race, following the asphyxiation death of a five-year-old dog named "Dorado," who was buried in snow during high winds one week ago in Unalakleet, Alaska.
Among the changes planned to be made are more frequent checks on dogs being cared for by officials, and the creation of dog shelters at the major checkpoints.
Dorado, dropped by his team after he was not performing as well as the other dogs, died sometime between the last time that he was check on at 3:30 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. the following morning.
High winds had completely covered the dog in snow and he was smothered.
Race officials released the following statement with regards to upcoming changes:
"This type of self-examination is an important part of ITC's historical commitment to the improvement of the welfare of the canine athletes that annually participate in the Race,"
Prior story on Dorado's death at this link.
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