Iditarod disqualifies musher for abuse (AP)

[Eugene]

Iditarod disqualifies musher for abuse

By MARK THIESSEN, Associated Press Writer

34 minutes ago

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Two-time runner-up Ramy Brooks was disqualified
from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for abusing his dogs.

The 38-year-old Brooks hit each of his 10 dogs with a trail marking
lathe, similar to a surveyor's stake, after two refused to get up and
continue running on an ice field, race marshal Mark Nordman told The
Associated Press from Nome on Sunday.

-snip-

Witnesses reported the incident to race officials. It happened Tuesday
near Golovin, about 90 miles from the end of the 1,100-mile sled dog
race in Nome.

-snip-

An animal rights group was upset about the incident because it came
when the dogs did not want to run.

"I'm sure they're exhausted and sick of the whole thing," said Lisa
Wathne, a spokeswoman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070318/ap_on_sp_ot/iditarod_dog_abuse

[Kagemusha]

1. The PETA statement is inane, but the ban is correct.

What, beating the dogs would've been more justified if the dogs had wanted to run? Come on. Inane commenting aside, it's still abuse and punishment is correct.

[MasonJar]

2. This is unconscionable! He beats his dogs who have given him second place

more than once. Kudos to PETA for speaking out. Kudos to the authorities for disqualifying the B_____D, kudos to the witnesses for turning him in and kudos to the dogs for having more sense than their owner. Bah Humbug to anyone who mistreats any animal.

[boobooday]

3. What a jerk

He should never be allowed to race again.