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Better protection for sled dogs under newly released provincial guidelines

Euthanasia, health and welfare of dogs outlined in report
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STANDARDS SET The provincial government has created a new set of sled dog standards that address dog containment, working conditions and health care. Photo by John French

The first set of sled dog standards of care in Canada have been released 22 months after the infamous Whistler sled dog cull of April 2010.

The set of standards created by the B.C. government are the first of their kind in the country. The standards are set out in a 14-page document created by sled dog industry representatives, veterinarians and the B.C. SPCA.

The new rules set out regulations for the containment and transportation of dogs, health care, breeding, working conditions, record keeping, life planning and the killing of sled dogs.

Some of the new protection regulations are in effect now. The sections of the regulation dealing with containment, record keeping and life planning will come into effect on Oct. 1.

The new regulations were created in response to news that sled dog operator Bob Fawcett of Pemberton reported to WorkSafe BC that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after he allegedly euthanized a large number of sled dogs.

The standards of care follow the creation of a Sled Dog Code of Practice and the amendment of legislation to give B.C. the toughest animal cruelty laws in the country.

Read more about the new regulations in Thursday's edition of Pique.