WTF snowmobiler attacks, kills Iditarod dogs

[ttt]

Why would someone do this??? What is wrong with people?? I hope they catch him, although I realize the chances are low that they'll ever find him. 


www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/12/470208521/snowmobiler-kills-dog-competing-in-iditarod-attack-apparently-intentional


One dog has been killed and multiple dogs have been injured by a snowmobiler in what appears to be an intentional attack on competitors in the Iditarod Race in Alaska.

Iditarod veteran Aliy Zirkle was the first to report an attack.

A snowmachiner had "repeatedly attempted to harm her and her team," the Iditarod Trail Committee says, and one of Zirkle's dogs had received a non-life-threatening injury.

Zirkle reported the attack when she arrived in Nulato, Alaska, in the wee hours of the morning, and race officials and law enforcement were notified.


Then Jeff King, a four-time Iditarod champion who was behind Zirkle, reported a similar encounter.

King's team was hit by a snowmobiler, injuring several dogs and killing one — Nash, a 3-year-old male.

Reporter Emily Schwing tells our Newscast unit that King's sled has lights and reflectors.

"It really felt like reckless bravado and playing chicken," King told Emily.

Zachariah Hughes, a reporter for Alaska Public Media, says that neither King nor Zirkle were injured, according to state troopers.

A suspect has been identified, race officials say, and an investigation has begun.

"Regrettably, this incident very much alters the race of the two mushers competing for a win," the Trail Committee writes. "However, both are going to continue on their way toward Nome."

After a four-hour rest, Zirkle left Nulato — leaving one dog behind — in third place. King is still at the checkpoint as of 1 p.m. Eastern.

Emily says on Twitter that King explained, "I'm not gonna let this schmuck take any more of the fun away."

You can find updates on this story, as well as full coverage of the Iditarod race, at Alaska Public Media.

[isabel]

Wtf?

[LeggsBenedict]

what in the hell?!

[aurora]

I hope they catch him and the injured dogs heal. What an ass.

[mdgirl]

When I saw this headline earlier I assumed dogs had gotten into a fight, but I should have know dogs are more well behaved than humans.

[pugz]

I thought I read that the person had been caught.

I just do NOT understand why someone would do this! Those poor dogs

[josieposy]

Awww.

[elleblue]

This is awful, those poor pups.