Animal Welfare Policy & Care Standard
Participants in any event of the Mid-Union Sled Haulers agree to abide by the following statement: There shall be no cruel, inhumane or abusive treatment of any dog, through deliberate action or inaction, through knowledge or ignorance, with or without implement, nor shall anyone deny a dog adequate care. Examples of willful acts considered to be in violation included (but not limited to):
1. Continuing to race a dog when it is injured, ill, or too fatigued.
2. Maintaining dogs in obese or mal-nutritioned condition and asking them to compete in race
situations competitively.
3. Disciplining a dog out of anger rather than a means of correction.
All violations of this policy shall be brought to the Board of Directors for record. Violations not specifically covered in this policy, "Mush with P.R.I.D.E. Sled Dog Care Guidelines" will be used as reference.
Injury Policy:
Any injury that occurs to a dog at a MUSH event shall be reported to the Race Marshall, so that a log may be kept in order to eliminate further injuries. This report must not be used solely to find that any abuse has occurred. This policy shall also be in effect for dogs that expire while at a MUSH event or because of their attendance at an event. This report shall contain:
1. The suspected injury.
2. The location the injury occurred (at the event). 3. Possible cause of the injury.
4. Whether Veterinary services were sought.
5. Any findings from a Veterinary examination, (either at the event or post event).
These reports will be kept in a file with the Race Marshall for the race season and then turned over to the Director of Timing. The Director of Timing will maintain a club record of injuries. The record will be kept on file with the hope that further injuries can be avoided.
Reporting Procedure:
Suspected infractions of any portion of this policy must be reported to the Race Marshall within one (1) hour of the infraction. This report can be verbal but must then be followed by a written report within one half (1/2) hour of the verbal report. NO action can be taken without a written report.
Definitions:
The following definitions shall be used for enforcement of this policy:
1. Abuse is an action that inflicts excessive or unnecessary pain or injury to a dog.
2. Discipline is a reaction to an undesired act.
3. Injury causes a dog (under normal conditions), pain, suffering or tenderness to the touch.
4. Adequate Care is positive interaction, thus providing proper food, water, shelter, sanitary conditions, and Veterinary medical attention needed to maintain a state of good health.
Basic Standards of Sled Dog Care
The following are basic care standards that we believe are commonly accepted practices among responsible sled dog owners. This list is intended only as a ready reference, not as a replacement for the more complete discussion presented in the full Mush with PRIDE Sled Dog Care Guidelines.
1. Daily Food and Water. Under normal circumstances, all dogs should be adequately fed and watered at least once a day, although certain training and medical conditions may warrant the temporary withholding of food.
2. Adequate Shelter. All dogs should have adequate shelter from inclement weather. Usually this means a waterproof and windproof house or other shelter as well as shade, sunlight, and a well-drained, easily cleaned kennel surface.
3. Safe Confinement. Dogs should be securely confined and restricted in a safe manner. Chains and cables used to restrict dogs must be tangle-free and should include a swivel to prevent choking.
4. Responsible Breeding. Any kennel that includes an intact female dog should have a heat pen capable of confining the female and preventing breeding with loose males.
5. Exercise. Confinement pens, chains, or cables should be of an adequate size or length to allow each dog to exercise.
6. Fenced Yards. In places that young children might visit, dog yards should be surrounded by a fence of an adequate height and strength to contain loose dogs and keep children out of the yard.
7. Daily Scooping. Fecal matter should be cleaned up daily.
8. Veterinary Attention. Dogs should be dewormed and vaccinated on a regular basis and should receive a regular veterinary checkup.
9. Socialization. Dogs should be socialized at least to the point of accepting handling from strangers. Special training, secure confinement, and neutering should be considered with overly aggressive dogs.