Outdoor Adventures Whistler: Sled Dog Slaughter? 100 Huskies Shot

by NowPublic Staff | January 31, 2011 at 02:42 pm

24810 views | 17 Recommendations | 152 comments

Whistler Dog Sled Tragedy: 100 Sled Dogs Shot And Killed: BC SPCA Documents Show 100 Huskies Killed | Operator - Outdoor Adventures Whistler And Whistler Dogsledding Adventures.

The RCMP and the BC SPCA have launched investigations into the slaughter of up to 100 sled dogs in Whistler is likely a "criminal" act. The dog sled slaughter documents concerning dogs owned by Outdoor Adventures Whistler were obtained from British Columbia's Occupational Work and Safety organization, WorkSafeBC, by radio station CKNW.

Sled Dog Shooter, Bob Fawcett, Outdoor Adventures Whistler Statement

Marcie Moriarty, general manager of the group's cruelty investigations, says the description of the April 2010 incident is an "absolutely criminal code offence," although there is no indication a police investigation is underway.

Documents obtained by CKNW radio reveal about 100 healthy sled dogs were killed in a mass slaughter in Whistler last April 21 and 23.

According to the WorkSafe B.C. documents, an employee of Outdoor Adventures Whistler has been compensated for post-traumatic stress disorder after being ordered to shoot the animals.

Quote

The first significant incident occurred when he noticed a female, Nora, who he had shot approximately 20 minutes before, was crawling around in the mass grave he had dug for the animals. He had to climb down into the grave amidst the 10 or so bodies already there and put her out of her misery....He also had to perform what he describes as execution style killings where he wrestled the dogs to the ground and stood on them with one foot to shoot them."

The documents say the cull of the animals occurred because of the big drop in tourism after the Olympics

Whistler RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve LeClair said police are investigating the allegations, and criminal charges are possible, including cruelty to animals and injuring or endangering animals.

Outdoor Adventures says the cull was conducted by the manager of its subsidiary company Howling Dog Tours.

"It was our expectation that it was done in a proper, legal and humane manner. We only learned otherwise on Friday, January 28 when we read the WCB ruling for the first time," Outdoor Adventures said in a release.

While Whistler Outdoor Adventures says the killing of the dogs was handled by Howling Dog Tours - a statement on the Howling Dog Tours (out of Alberta) website said Howling Dog Tours had nothing to do with it and that they sold their Whistler subsidiary in 2004 - apparently a man named Robert Fawcett now owns and runs Whistler Dogsledding.

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 50% interest in "Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc." to Mr. Robert Fawcett in its entirety. 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 course, this wholesale of killing of Huskies came to light only after the employee who killed 100 animals filed a Worker's Compensation claim for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Marcie Moriarty said the man, who was the general manager at the time with Outdoor Adventures in Whistler, could have simply said no. 

"I've no doubt he has suffered post traumatic stress but there's a thing called choice. I absolutely would not have done this and he could have said no. This is a criminal code offence and to have just stopped. I don't feel sorry for this guy for one minute."

But Moriarty said the man chose to shoot and kill the dogs over two days on April 21 and April 23 inhumanely. 

"The way he describes multiple shots and faces blown off and coming back on a second day is gruesome. I've never read anything quite like it. The way this employee describes it - it's a massacre absolutely - a criminal code offense. These dogs were killed in front of the other dogs that were all tethered up on the compound (at Outdoor Adventures)."

2 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

mtammas

at 17:02 on January 31st, 2011

The story's been picked up by Associated Press and is now circulating the globe. The New York Times posted it about an hour ago. The world can see another side of 'the best place on earth'.

Letemhang

at 17:01 on February 1st, 2011

Yea, like in the Sudan where the Janjaweed slaughtered millions of non Arabs. They will really be upset.

Carola Bethem (not verified)

at 04:48 on February 2nd, 2011

You are becoming boring..... Again the article is about ANIMALS BEING SLAUGHTERED. Not humans. Stay on topic.

sherri snider (not verified)

at 20:47 on February 12th, 2011

You are so right, this is not about anything but souls of beauty being slaughtered and not about hunting, humans, ect. woof

Askdhgj (not verified)

at 17:21 on January 31st, 2011

I called them and left a message expressing how could they done this.. horrible... Vancouver is a great place.. but this gets out.

Judith Curran (not verified)

at 17:21 on January 31st, 2011

I hope you people rot in the hell for what you put your dogs through. You will have to face judgement sooner or later, may the dogs be waiting to greet you at St Peter's Gate - that will be your final judgement. Homes could have been found for these honorable creatures who gave you an income and their loyalty. May God be with them and not with you. Shame on you.

Letemhang

at 14:35 on February 1st, 2011

Rot in hell? Sounds like you have judged them before God even had a chance.

Dawn Propst (not verified)

at 10:24 on February 5th, 2011

give me a break... im a christian but where was God when this was happening? it takes humans to hold one another accountable as well. the people that ordered this and the moron that murdered (yes, that's what it is) should be taken out to the fullest extent of the law! period. judge away. if it goes to a jury.... (which it likely will) it will be HUMANS that judge this mans fate. Get real! YES! They will be judged by humans, not just God!!!!!!

sherri snider (not verified)

at 20:24 on February 12th, 2011

I hope you rot in hell along side these sinners. If you do not understand how wrong this was to kill dogs that sat by and watched and knew they were next well... good luck meeting your maker and GOD would not allow this for anyone he created. DOGS have souls too and hearts that break. woof

mlm (not verified)

at 14:42 on February 26th, 2011

There is no excuse. He deserves to die, as do the owners of this company. What possible defense could they have?

Mike Sanbeg (not verified)

at 09:27 on March 3rd, 2011

Uhm... I think God probably has had a chance. If He created the world in six days, eleven months is probably long enough to judge someone for the brutal slaughter of 100 innocent animals simply because they became unexpectedly inconvenient. It amazes me that your religious freaks are so quick to judge people for things like, say, being gay, but refuse to condemn a genuine act of evil such as this. I don't know what Jesus Would Do, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't murder 100 dogs, and I don't think he'd be shy about saying so.

Mike Sanbeg (not verified)

at 09:53 on March 3rd, 2011

Adrian Thompson (not verified)

at 15:48 on February 1st, 2011

We are all in shock by this, but next time just say, "God help us all to make the right choices in the future and help end cruelty in the world. These dogs could have found good homes." This is also a far more Biblical approach. People won't think your a crack pot and I won't have to explain away these types of comments to my non-Christian friends. Sigh ...

joh (not verified)

at 17:25 on January 31st, 2011

the actions of ONE do not make the actions of many mtammas. i would still rather live in canada than anywhere else. and i can assure you...once this gets out the people will not be pleased. this type of thing is in no way acceptable

dina derock (not verified)

at 20:44 on January 31st, 2011

Sure Canada is a great place to live...but right now im ashamed that Canadians committed this slaughter...ashamed if they are not thrown in prison for their crimes.

Canadian Ckrs (not verified)

at 16:50 on February 1st, 2011

Canadians? how ignorant are you? It was a human being, or lack therefor of, that committed this horrible crime. Their nationality has nothing to do with it. You must be American.

Dawn Propst (not verified)

at 10:30 on February 5th, 2011

@ Canadian Ckrs ... you must be a total moron for even responding to that one. Makes you just as guilty of slamming a nationality. Moronic, don't you think?

dawn Propst (not verified)

at 10:33 on February 5th, 2011

You're a moron for even responding to that..... makes you just as guilty as judging a nationality don't you think?

Former Whistler-ite (not verified)

at 18:18 on February 1st, 2011

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} This is one Canadian (maybe-Whistler is an extremely transient town) , in one town. Do not paint us all with one brush. Also, please look at the facts. When I first heard that Outdoor Adventure Whistler had shot 100+ animals, I was in horror! First, I thought was out of greed - the animals served it's purpose, and now they were being shot/murdered because they became liabilities. But a few things to think about first:

OAW did not take over the operations until May, 2010. This culling took place in April 2010. They were aware that euthanizing was to take place, but assumed it was being "done in a proper, legal and humane manner" www.adventureswhistler.com/media In addition, it does not state as to what condition these dogs were in.
Many people say they would love to adopt these dogs. That is wonderful! IF they were pets. These were working dogs, that were use to being outside, pulling a heavy sled, burning countless calories a day, and very high strung. Unless you were going to provide the kind of environment that they were use to, could you provide then with the quality of life they deserve or would you try to confirm them to your standards. You know the saying "you cant teach an old dog new tricks."...literally.

I am not defending the actions of the people immediately involved with or were aware of the ferocious killing as I believe that these people should be punished to the full extent of the law as what they did was caulis, cowardly and down right sick! What I am saying is find out the actual facts, don’t take what the media says at face value, and then make you decision. If OAW did not have knowledge of this, and it was before they took over full operations of Howling Dog Tours, then why should they fall victim to someone else's cruel act.

Carola Bethem (not verified)

at 04:34 on February 2nd, 2011

You do raise some very valid points. But.... if AOW knew of the euthanization and thought it would be done in a humane manner, why did they not bother to ask for any documentation? Did they not find it strange that there weren't any records ofrom vets that had put the dogs down. Or any bills for provided services? Given the fact that not all documents are available to the public, informed speculation is the best we can do. I have read the statements on the site, and I still do not believe that AOW had no knowledge. Even in the media release they say that they had an interest in the company for 4 years. I also find it strange that there is a ruling, granting the man in question compensation over his alleged orders (and resulting PTSD) to kill 100 dogs, yet AOW had no idea they were the subject of an investigation. Furthermore. Old dogs can always learn new tricks. It's humans that don't, and many don't have the patience to learn the old dog, new tricks. It is not easy, it won't happen overnight but it is possible.

Dawn Propst (not verified)

at 10:46 on February 5th, 2011

Ever heard of proper monitoring? Even Hitler had his so called soldiers watch the MURDERS to make sure they were done. And oh yeh, there are PLENTY of people that need work animals. Actual facts... the so called 'man' that MURDERED these dogs had a choice and also was not supervised! Actual FACT: THESE DOGS WERE MURDERED, NOT EUTHANIZED! FACT STRAIGHTENED!

Gerhard Gehrmann (not verified)

at 16:12 on February 6th, 2011

it is only "murder" when a human kills another human. this was not by any stretch of the imagination or law "murder". to claim that it is, is quite frankly silly, and can't be taken seriously.

Carola Bethem (not verified)

at 12:57 on February 10th, 2011

Gerhard: The law states that murder is the "unlawful killing of another human being''. Technically seen you are absolutely right. Seen from an ethical or moral point of view, most if not all people would disagree with your statement. I would not be surprised if the legal term for "murder'' would be adjusted to ''unlawful killing of another sentient being''. Really, in my opinion you are the one who is quite frankly, just silly and not to be taken seriously.

SHERRI SNIDER (not verified)

at 20:35 on February 12th, 2011

THIS IS IN FACT MURDER. PEOPLE CAN DO WHATEVER THEY WANT TO ONE ANOTHER. pEOPLE ARE EVIL AND IT SOULDS LIKE YOU ARE TOO IF YOU THINK THIS IS NOT MURDER AND THESE PEOPLE NEED TO GO TO JAIL,NOW. WOOF

lisa cofer (not verified)

at 13:01 on February 5th, 2011

the fact that this event happened in April and is only now making headlines is screaming cover up. Admittedly these dogs would be difficult to re-home but could not be any more challenging than the rehab and re-homing of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick Dog fighting raid. all they needed was one person to intervene for them, to buy them some time....once again regardless of what country you are from this is another case of .....EPIC HUMAN PHAIL Since I am not familiar with animal right laws in this Country, I will be watching as will numerous animal right supporters in the hopes that these felons will be prosecuted to the maximun that laws allow.

Sherri Snider (not verified)

at 20:31 on February 12th, 2011

Why do you give these KILLERS the benifit of the doubt? They should go to jail for a long time and this is to serve 180 mths per dog. PEOPLE SUCK AND THIS IS A TRUE EXAMPLE.DOGS HAVE PURE HEARTS AND SOULS.people are evil. WOOF

mlm (not verified)

at 14:44 on February 26th, 2011

How can you say that? The Canadian government sanctions and promotes the slaughter of the baby seals for rich people's coats and has for decades. Canada is a horrible cruel place and I will never set foot there and give you my money. You support your government; you share responsibility for the murders

Ouralou

at 11:16 on March 6th, 2011

Yes I agree. People are so cruel. And our laws are so weak. This massacre is horrible. The company and the trainer who killed those animals should pay in jail. The company should pay a big amount for the cares of the remaining dogs. Without this, the other trainers will not understand at all and they will do the same thing again and again. It should be a lesson for all involved with working animals. Responsibility Respect Love These three words should be written in their heart for ever.

Tracy Pacukiewiz (not verified)

at 17:25 on January 31st, 2011

Thank you..Ya..the best place on Earth MUST live up and take responsibility for this horror...:Whistler..I AM canadian,,but I am NOT proud right now....

Sandrm (not verified)

at 17:34 on January 31st, 2011

Outdoor Adventures in Whistler BC should be out of business like right now!!!! One would think they could have made some sort of effort to have these dogs placed in homes or sold to people who care. What a piece fo s#it. Killing a 100 dogs just because business is down. Remember the name Robert Fawcett......... he will most likely change the name of this current company.