Persuasive Essay On The Iditarod

Endurance: “the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina” (“Endurance”). Although the talent of endurance resides in many people and animals on Earth, it does not reside in all. However, sled dogs are not one of these animals. These dogs race in a spectacular event called the Iditarod. The Iditarod is a dog sled race that takes place in Alaska, from Anchorage to Nome, a distance of about 1,000 miles (Beyond Courage). The race is under fire, however, from animal rights activists that believe that the race is unfair towards the dogs (“Dogsled Racing”). These claims are not valid, however. Although others might argue otherwise, the Iditarod is not a form of animal cruelty to the sled dogs.
One reason that the Iditarod is not cruel to sled dogs is that they are cared for every step of the way. Evan before the race, the dogs are required to complete a physical with a registered veterinarian, as well as microchipped in case of an emergency (Nelson Jr.). During the race, the dogs are looked at by more veterinarians at most
If a musher notices that a dog might even have the smallest chance of becoming injured due to exhaustion, they are flown home to avoid it (Beyond Courage). The cells of sled dogs have a higher amount of mitochondria, allowing them to race longer distances with a high-protein diet (Fraser). The dogs also perspire through their mouths, which means that they can run their fastest in colder conditions, the same as racing conditions in the Iditarod. Mushers are required to keep a diary of all medical care and problems that the dogs might have during the race, allowing them to look over past information and find out what they can do to help their dogs stay healthy and energized (Nelson). While dogs in the Iditarod are not worked to death, others might say