by Christopher Chatterton

Created on: February 17, 2009   Last Updated: February 28, 2009

Since the foundation of the modern Iditarod in 1973, the annual dog-sledging race in Alaska has become a worldwide phenomenon, attracting global audiences who marvel at the spectacular feats of the dogs who participate in the "Greatest Race on Earth".

However, this notoriety has come at a price, as the event has been placed under the microscope of ever-increasing scrutiny from animal rights groups.

Groups such as PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are fervent opponents of the race, claiming that the harsh and brutal treatment of the dogs involved, is being swept under the carpet (Anon, 2008).

Support for animal rights groups has now begun to gain momentum. Groups such as PETA claim that dogs are being terrorised with whips when training for the race, and that they are kept in appalling conditions, including being tethered to stakes on short chains, known as "snub lines" for prolonged periods (Anon, 2008b).

Claims over concerns about animal cruelty are also gaining credibility with businesses, if the droves of sponsors ending their association with the Iditarod are anything to go by.

High-profile sponsors such as Nestle, Safeway, Pizza Hut and Pfizer are the latest companies to withdraw their backing from the race after discovering signs of animal cruelty in the Iditarod (Anon, 2008). Animal specific companies such as Iams, the pet food manufacturers, also pulled out in 1995 after several dogs died from "food-related incidents" (Anon, 2008b).

The media has been no less critical in its concerns over the mistreatment of dogs in the Iditarod. Greg Cote, of the Miami Herald writing in 2002 described the race as "a grotesque shame masquerading as a sport" (Cote, 2002).

What was once a race conceived to celebrate all that was wholesome and upstanding about Alaska and the pioneers who blazed the trail of the Iditarod, has become a battleground between the passionate mushing advocates of the race, and the equally resolute Anti-Iditarod lobby.

So has the Iditarod lost its way and sunk to the depths of animal exploitation, or has the furore surrounding it been blown out of all proportion by well meaning, but miss-informed animal welfare groups?

i) What measures are taken to ensure animal welfare during the race?

The Iditarod officials are keen to stress that all dogs are given stringent health checks by independent veterinarians before, during and after the race. There are several enforced

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