Early this morning, as Aliy Zirkle (bib #13) was making her way towards the Nulato checkpoint, a snowachiner repeatedly attempted to harm her and her team. One dog received a non-life threatening injury.
Upon arrival at the Nulato checkpoint, Zirkle reported the incident to race officials and a report was filed with the Alaska State Troopers. Contact was also made with the village police officer in Nulato.
Jeff King (bib #61), who was behind Zirkle, experienced a similar incident 12-miles prior to his arrival at the Nulato checkpoint. This incident resulted in the death of Nash, a three- year-old male. In addition, Crosby, a three-year-old male, and Banjo, a two-year-old male, received non-life threatening injuries. King requested and received medical attention at the checkpoint.
The suspect has been identified by the village police officer in Nulato, and authorities are conducting an investigation.
Regrettably, this incident very much alters the race of the two mushers competing for a win; however, both are going to continue on their way toward Nome.
I can't begin to express my disgust for anyone who would deliberately ride over a dog, especially one in the traces, who can't get away.
6 comments:
as you have done it to the least of these you have done it to Me.
not just to humans but to any of God's creatures.
Rev. Paul,
I heard this on the news early this morning. It just makes me want to go up there and find the _ _ _ myself. No animal or human deserves to be treated in this manner. I pray they find the suspect, and is prosecuted.
Wouldn't want to live in the head of that perp. Sick!
deborah, the "villager" will have to live with the consequences of his actions. There are both temporal & eternal ramifications.
Sandy, the guy was identified & is in custody, I believe. Checking on that, this morning.
WSF, drunkenness is pandemic across many Bush villages here. I just can't understand why the guy would attack sled dogs, as they're practically revered among the Native population.
It's probably best for that.... refuse of humanity.... that he's in custody, once everybody else learns his name and face, and what he's done!
Wing, I have to agree. Public humiliation is the least of what he's facing, but it comes with the territory.
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