The PETA Podcast - Episode 3

PETA VP of Communications, Colleen O'Brien on the cruelty of the infamous Iditarod. In conversation with host Emil Guillermo about the history of the race; how it used to be a humanitarian gesture to get medicine from one part of Alaska to another. It was also a relay. Now the race is a grueling, debilitating 1,000 mile run, where mushers start with 16 dogs and try to cross the finish line with at least five remaining dogs.

More than 1,100 dogs are expected to run this year. Five dogs died in last year's race, though many deaths go unreported. O'Brien said whistle-blowers are coming forward to expose the animal abuse in dog sledding. She believes there's no reason why a new modern day Iditarod couldn't happen without dogs but with snowmobiles instead.

A cruelty-free, dogless Iditarod would definitely be an improvement. PETA will be stage a protest at the event when it begins March 3.

The PETA Podcast

PETA, the world's largest animal rights organization, is 6.5 million strong and growing. This is the place to find out why. Hear from insiders, thought leaders, activists, investigators, politicians, and others why animals need more than kindness—they have the right not to be abused or exploited in any way.

Hosted by Emil Guillermo. Powered by PETA activism.

Get involved. Go to PETA.org

Don't forget to subscribe to the show.

Music provided by CarbonWorks. 

Click here to Listen to PETA president Ingrid Newkirk in the very first episode.