We recently wrote a story about the tragic killing of a 100 sled dogs in Whistler, Canada. The story raised a lot of attention at the time, and is now creating some debate about the current Iditarod race in Alaska.

The Iditarod has been an Alaskan staple since the early 1970s. The race, which spans 1150 miles in 10 to 17 days, uses The Iditarod Trail that was blazoned by early Alaskan settlers in the 1920s as the designated route. At the time of its inception, however, many had forgotten about the historical value of The Iditarod Trail. So Wasilla resident and avid historian, Dorothy G. Page, had suggested a sled dog race that traveled through the trail, thus representing the majestic Alaskan landscape and traditional sport of dog sledding.

Today, mushers participate in the long distance race in teams of 12 to 16 dogs. From Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea coast, these teams face extreme temperatures and weather conditions, all the while keeping a steady pace in the competition.

This historic race, however, has come under some scrutiny in recent weeks, in large part due to the tragedy that occurred in Canada. Many have begun speaking out against the treatment of sled dogs and the conditions they face during the competition.

We wanted to know your thoughts, and here are some of your responses:

“I was born and raised in Alaska, and will not support the Iditarod until the culling (murdering) of innocent dogs stops (across the board). And yes, the dogs LOVE their jobs as sled-dogs. What they don't love is being over-worked, starved and killed.” -Jessica

“I think most people have no problem with the dogs actually pulling sleds in general. Rather, it's the way they're treated when they're not racing. Bring chained to a stake in the ground, not being socialized or trained, etc. Often the animals have not been led with calm assertive energy so they are not balanced dogs. Once their bodies are no longer good for racing, what happens then? Where do they end up? If I felt that the dogs' physical AND psychological needs were being met, then I would support it.”-Margie

“Thumbs up to Cesar for having the fortitude to see the difference between jobs that dogs are born to do and the agenda the animal rights people spread. Sled dogs, like mine, run because it's in their blood. Ethical owners and mushers care for their dogs like any other dog lover would. There will always be bad apples but all we can do is ensure that we hold ourselves to a high standard and that we hold those who commit acts of cruelty responsible to the full extent of the law. Now mush you huskies!” – Benjamin

Cesar has long talked about the importance of honoring a dog’s breed and instinctual needs. Working dogs like sled dogs are born to do this – it’s what they love to do, just as a musician needs to play music, and an artist needs to paint.

“The event itself is not bad. This is like the Olympics for these dogs,” Cesar said after the event. “To protest the event and point fingers is not the right answer to addressing some of the inhumane treatment behind-the-scenes that people talk about. What we need to learn to cultivate is awareness and cooperation. We want to inspire and educate so that if anything is negative is taking place, we can address it and correct it. But attacking and criticizing is not going to make progress. We can take a lesson from the dogs in this case – the only way to ensure a smooth and successful journey is to work together as a pack!”