Tethering Policy Statement

The Board of Directors of Mush with PRIDE adopted the following policy on
September 12, 1997.

Mush with PRIDE (Providing Responsible Information on a Dog's
Environment) believes that the tethering of sled dogs, when done in an appropriate
manner, is a safe and humane method of keeping sled dogs of any breed.
It allows healthy social interaction, minimizes risk of injury, and facilitates kennel hygiene. Behavioral studies on sled dogs housed outdoors with tethers have shown that the dogs show no ill effects, and one showed that dogs adapted to tethers do very poorly when
confined in indoor pens.

While Mush with PRIDE acknowledges the U.S. Department of Agriculture's clarification that sled dogs are not currently covered by the authority of the Animal Welfare Act tethering ban [Code of Federal Regulations Title 9 (Animal and Animal Products), Subchapter A (Animal Welfare)], we are concerned that the regulations still state that tethering of a dog is
"not a humane practice that is in the animal's best interest."

Tethering of sled dogs is not inhumane. It is in fact the preferred method of confining sled dogs. Explicitly saying that the tethering of dogs is not a humane practice while allowing mushers to tether sled dogs gives the impression that mushers are being permitted to use inhumane methods with their dogs. This shows a lack of understanding of the requirements of active working dogs that are housed outdoors: Sled dogs are best confined by proper tethers that they can use to exercise and interact together in an outdoor environment. Experienced mushers as well as veterinarians and other medical professionals who are dog mushers recognize this and use tethering as the preferred method of confinement.

Mush with PRIDE is concerned that various local governmental organizations will misinterpret the blanket statement that tethering dogs is not a humane practice and enact regulations that will adversely affect responsible sled dog owners whose dogs are not currently regulated under the auspices of the Animal Welfare Act. This has already happened in California. Indeed, there is already pressure from certain animal rights groups to extend the scope of the regulations authorized by the Animal Welfare Act to cover many kennels that do not presently fall under its jurisdiction.

Mush with PRIDE requests that the USDA, rather than simply give mushers an exemption from tethering, retract the statement that tethering is "not a humane practice that is in the animal's best interest." We also request that a recognized publication, such as the Mush with PRIDE Sled Dog Care Guidelines be referenced and endorsed as a source of information for the humane and proper methods of care for sled dogs. These guidelines were drawn from the experience of over 200 of the world's most respected and experienced mushers. And finally, we request that the USDA consult responsible sled dog organizations such as Mush with Pride before
enacting regulations that affect the humane and proper methods of care for sled dogs.

(signed) Will Forsberg
Board President, Mush with PRIDE (Providing Responsible Information on a Dog's Environment)