Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW) has voluntarily suspended operations of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.
OAW is conducting its own investigation and working with authorities to determine the facts around the culling of 100 dogs last April by the general manager of the dog sled company.
Also today, the SPCA inspected the remaining animals with Howling Dog Tours and found their condition to be satisfactory. The remaining 150 dogs have not been seized according to reports in the Vancouver Sun .
Until a further decision is reached, Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. has ceased conducting tours. Employees will continue to be paid and will care for the dogs.
WorkSafe BC, the provincial worker's compensation board, documents outline in the general managers words how he shot and slashed 100 dogs to death because of the economic burden of keeping them.
OAW contracted to Howling Dog tours for its dog sledding operations. It took over the dog sled operation in May 2010.
"OAW is shocked and appalled by the events described in the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) ruling issued late last week related to Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc," state a press release issued this afternoon.
"Contrary to media reports, OAW did not instruct the employee to euthanize the dogs in the manner described in the report. The employee in question was the General Manager of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. at the time and is the Founder and long-time operator of that business.
"Furthermore, contrary to media reports, OAW had no input into the WCB ruling, nor the 'Employer's Report of Injury' referenced in the ruling.
"OAW was aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. in April 2010, but OAW expected this to be done in a proper, legal and humane manner.
"OAW learned otherwise for the first time on Friday, January 28 when OAW read the WCB ruling for the first time."
The RCMP is also investigating "very serious threats" flowing from the outrage around the culling of the dogs reports the Province newspaper.
Tourism Whistler has also decided to extend that suspension to all products offered by Outdoor Adventures Whistler. Full refunds for dogsled tours booked with this operator will be provided upon request.
