Under the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture regulations for the state's Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act, "[f]acilities that breed, train or house Alaskan dog breeds or Alaskan breed crosses, specifically for the purpose of pulling dog sleds" can request a waiver of the ban on chaining dogs as a primary means of confinement. 8 CCR 1201-11.12.00.B.1.c(1)-(2)

The dogs must be over one year of age and actively pulling sleds. With a waiver these dogs can be kept 24/7 on a chain. For example, in Snowmas Village, Colorado, 250 or more sled dogs are kept at a business called Krabloonik. When not pulling sleds during the winter months, the dogs are kept on chains. Some are too old to pull sleds and are simply left on chains all the time.  

Animal Law Coalition is working with local advocates, urging the Dept. of Agriculture to require an exercise period each day when these dogs must be off the chain and allowed to run around.  

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Here is the proposed requirement: a minimum of 90 minutes of continuous exercise within a 24 hour period which may take the form of the following:

• Walk or run while restrained by a leash
• Pulling a wheeled cart or winter sled
• Placement in a closed space enclosure with the opportunity for exercise under  the following conditions:   Enclosure size for the first dog must be at least 100 square feet.  If additional dogs are placed in the enclosure an addition of 30 square feet per dog is required.  As such 5 dogs would require 220 square feet.  The fence shall be constructed of chain link or a similar type of material with all four sides enclosed.  The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog(s) from escaping from such enclosure.  Whether supervised or unsupervised, while in the enclosure there must be adequate shading to protect the dog from the sun and adequate water. Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior shall be exercised separately in the enclosure. Supervision will be required in all cases where there are more than five dogs in such enclosure.   It shall be the responsibility of the owner to ensure the dogs are monitored during exercise in such a manner that protects their health and safety.  

 Dogs shall be exempt from exercise requirements for any period of time a licensed veterinarian certifies that exercise would jeopardize the health of the dog or cause the dog pain and suffering. The veterinarian's certificate shall include the date of the examination, reason the dog should not exercise and the time period for the restriction.  The licensee shall document in writing and keep on file evidence of the exercise of these dogs and any veterinary certifications.

Write or call the following Colorado Dept. of Agriculture officials and politely urge them to get these sled dogs off chains for at least a little awhile each day:

Dr. John Stulp, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, John.stulp@ag.state.co.us 1-303-239-4100

Dr. Kate Anderson, PACFA Administrator: Kate.anderson@ag.state.co.us, 1-303-239-4168

Dr. Keith Roehr, Assistant State Veterinarian: Keith.roehr@ag.state.co.us, 1-303-239-4166