Ark-Valley to rehab starved Hartsel huskies

In a case that is making state and national headlines, 100 starving dogs were seized from a sled-dog racing enterprise near Hartsel last week.

An anonymous tip to the Humane Society of the United States led authorities to Pawsatrack Racing Sled Dogs south of Hartsel, where they found the dogs without food or water, enduring sub-zero temperatures in uninsulated portable pet carriers and other makeshift housing.

Dr. Keith Roehr, the Colorado state veterinarian, called conditions at the outdoor kennel “deplorable.”

Animal protection authorities seized the sickest dogs immediately because of fears they wouldn’t make it through the night. The following day, authorities collected the remaining 70 dogs. Dead dogs were also found on the property.

“I think anytime animals are put in a situation like this, it’s heartbreaking. You can’t save them all, but you do the best you can,” said Sgt. Bobbie Priestly of Park County Animal Control.

The malnourished huskies and husky-crosses have been distributed to shelters across the state, including the Ark-Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista. 24 landed at the Denver Dumb Friends League (see the DDFL slideshow). Other dogs went to Boulder, Longmont, Summit County, and Cañon City.

Ark-Valley to rehabilitate huskies and offer them for adoption

Ark-Valley Humane Society receives calls every winter reporting cases of neglect, but cases generally involve one or two dogs, not dozens, according to shelter manager Michele Wayland. Ark-Valley has taken fourteen of the Alaskan husky and husky-crosses, sending three to Mountain Shadows Animal Hospital for medical treatment.

“Most responsible sled dog operations take good care of their dogs because they are athletes. They require a high-protein diet in order to maintain their conditioning … this was obviously not a responsible outfit,” Wayland said.

The dogs will be available for adoption after regaining their strength — shelter staff and volunteers are preparing special meals for the dogs four times per day in hopes of improving their condition — and being socialized. They will also undergo a standard process which includes temperament testing, vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures and de-worming. Wayland thought that some dogs might be ready in two or three weeks; others will take longer.

Three huskies remain at Mountain Shadows. Dr. Annie Schultz of Mountain Shadows said that she couldn’t comment on the status of the animals because of the likelihood of legal action against the owners. As of last week, the owners were cooperating with investigators and no charges had been filed, but the Park County Sheriff’s Office has recommended that the owners face 108 charges of animal cruelty.

Volunteers provide valuable assistance to shelter staff

“Our volunteers have been outstanding and have really stepped up and answered the call to help. The whole community has really been wonderful,” said Wayland.

Laura and Tony Bussing, owners of the local pet specialty-shop Gone to the Dogs, are among the volunteers who have stepped forward to help with the rehabilitation of the huskies.

The case underscores a need for volunteers trained to handle special-needs dogs, said Laura Bussing. She plans to teach volunteers to work with high-risk cases — dogs which initially might not be considered adoptable but with additional attention and care can be transformed. “We want to turn these dogs into well-balanced animals,” she said.

For the huskies, volunteers with good mountain bike or cross-country ski technique are being sought to help exercise the animals, according to Bussing. And volunteers are needed to help feed and socialize the dogs.

Ark-Valley is also requesting donations to help pay for medical care for the huskies.

Despite the conditions in which they were found, all of the huskies at Ark-Valley are expected to be adoptable. “They are surprisingly gentle and friendly,” said Wayland. “They do require a special kind of home, but they will make wonderful pets.”

People interested in helping the huskies can donate money to Ark-Valley Humane Society, volunteer to feed, socialize or exercise the huskies, or, with the right kind of enclosure, foster a husky until it can be adopted. Contact the shelter at 719-395-2737 for more information.