Colorado seizes 100 starving sled dogs from mountain kennel

Colo. seizes 100 starving sled dogs

HARTSEL, Colo. — About 100 starving sled dogs have been seized from a racing business in Colorado.

Colorado’s state veterinarian says an anonymous tip led authorities to Pawsatrack Racing Sled Dogs in the Park County town of Hartsel, about 70 miles southwest of Denver. The company’s phone number isn’t listed.

Authorities say they found six dead husky-type dogs and seized 30 starving dogs immediately. On Thursday, animal protection authorities took the remaining 70 dogs.

Dr. Keith Roehr (ROAR), the state vet, says the dogs were malnourished and that one has since died. He says the dogs were all crossbreeds of Alaskan descent used in sled racing.

Roehr called conditions at the open-air kennel “deplorable.”

Park County sheriff’s officials were investigating the dogs’ owners, Sam and Diane Walker, for possible animal neglect charges. As of Thursday afternoon no one had been charged.

Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore said the Walkers are cooperating with investigators but will likely face criminal charges in coming days.

The surviving dogs have been sent to animal shelters in at least nine different Colorado counties and will be available for adoption after their health improves, Gore said.