February 7:Vancouver Sun Op-Ed
Joey Houssian, President and Owner of Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd., wrote an op-ed that was published today in the Vancouver Sun newspaper.
Let’s not rush to judge sled dog incident until the facts are known
By Joey Houssian
This has been a very difficult week for my colleagues, my community and the public. I share people’s sadness and disbelief regarding the events surrounding the treatment of some of our dogs as described in the WorkSafe BC ruling. Due to the ongoing investigations and the nature of the allegations, it continues to take time to collect the facts, and we are limited in terms of what we can say publicly.
While the facts and legal responsibility for them is being investigated, I take moral responsibility for everything that happens within my company. I, more than anyone, want to understand the truth about what happened and what was described.
I would like to correct some misinformation that is still circulating. As my company, Outdoor Adventures at Whistler, stated earlier in the week, we did not become aware of the contents of the WorkSafe BC ruling until it was sent to us less than a week ago, and have been working to piece together the facts so that I, and the rest of the world, can understand what actually happened surrounding the events of April 2010.
While it has been reported that Outdoor Adventures signed the reports detailing the incident, in reality, we did not. Both the “employee” report and the “employer” report were filled out and signed by the claimant. According to the WorkSafe BC ruling, these two reports contained significant discrepancies. We are investigating the background to this and other aspects of the WorkSafe BC ruling.
As explained in our earlier statements, we did know that dogs would be euthanized in the spring of 2010. Our understanding was that some old and sick dogs needed to be put down. Additionally, a number of healthy dogs were successfully adopted and given new homes throughout Canada.
I want to emphasize that the decision to euthanize dogs was not the result of a slow-down in business after the Olympics. In fact, our business had been steadily improving since the Olympics and we had been investing significantly in the operation, the kennel and the quality of life for our dogs. A visit to our kennel or a discussion with any of our staff will confirm this, as does a recent veterinarian report and an inspection by the SPCA conducted earlier this week.
None of this changes the fact that dogs were put down. However, we had every reason to believe this would be done in a professional and humane manner.
It is important for me to acknowledge that there are many people affected by this matter, not least the family of the individual at the heart of this investigation. He and his family are good people, and my heart goes out to all of them.
Also lost in the media coverage is the simple fact that these people love dogs. I share this love of animals as do all the staff at Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. People don’t choose to work with dogs if they don’t love them.
I share the grief that my colleagues and their families, my community and the public are feeling. To everyone who is taking the time to pause, examine the available facts, and recognize the complexity of this matter before rushing to judgment, I extend my deepest appreciation.
Joey Houssian is President and Owner of Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd., the parent company of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.
February 2: Joint Statement from Robert Fawcett and Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. and former General Manager, Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. agree to the following:
1. The number of dogs euthanized by Mr. Fawcett. Mr. Fawcett advised Mr. Houssian in mid-April 2010 that he was estimating 50 dogs would be euthanized.
2. The condition of the dogs euthanized by Mr. Fawcett. In mid April, 2010 Mr. Fawcett advised Mr. Houssian that the dogs to be euthanized were "too old" or "sick" and "not adoptable". These dogs live to "run" and were not able to do so and would have had to be kept in cages with the result that they would have had very poor or virtually no quality of life.
3. The efforts made to arrange for dogs to be adopted. Considerable efforts were made to arrange for dogs to be adopted, both before and after mid April, 2010. The efforts at adoption were not as successful as hoped.
4. The instructions given to Mr. Fawcett concerning the manner of euthanizing the dogs. There were no instructions given to Mr. Fawcett as to the manner of euthanizing dogs on this occasion, and Mr. Fawcett was known to have very humanely euthanized dogs on previous occasions.
Media inquiries:
media@adventureswhistler.com
February 1: Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. voluntarily suspends operations of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.
Effective today, Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW) has voluntarily suspended operations of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. OAW is conducting its own investigation and working with authorities to determine the facts.
Until a further decision is reached, Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. has ceased conducting tours. Employees will continue to be paid and will care for the dogs.
OAW is shocked and appalled by the events described in the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) ruling issued late last week related to Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.
Contrary to media reports, OAW did not instruct the employee to euthanize the dogs in the manner described in the report. The employee in question was the General Manager of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. at the time and is the Founder and long-time operator of that business.
Furthermore, contrary to media reports, OAW had no input into the WCB ruling, nor the "Employer's Report of Injury" referenced in the ruling.
OAW was aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. in April 2010, but OAW expected this to be done in a proper, legal and humane manner. OAW learned otherwise for the first time on Friday, January 28 when OAW read the WCB ruling for the first time.
Media inquiries:
media@adventureswhistler.com
February 1: Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW) releases veterinarian report
In May 2010, Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW) assumed operational control of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. With professional consultation and new leadership, Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. made significant changes to the business, the intention of which was to ensure humane treatment of the dogs and improved safety protocols of the operation.
On December 1, 2010, a Whistler veterinarian engaged by Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd (OAW) conducted an inspection of all dogs and kennel conditions. The summary of his report reads, “Overall, I am very pleased at the substantive improvements seen at the facility and have no concerns about the dogs’ quality of life or for the care they are provided. Overall, this is a healthy and well cared for group of
dogs.”
The improvements were led by key operational staff at OAW and include giving away approximately 75 dogs, neutering males and creating an open-pen kennel rather than tethering the dogs. Guns are no longer allowed on site and the company's new policy is that euthanasia must be performed at a veterinary office.
A copy of the veterinarian's report available by clicking here.
Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. is entirely separate and distinct from Howling Dog Tours Ltd. based in Canmore, Alberta. The two companies are not related.
Media contact:
media@adventureswhistler.com
January 31: Statement from Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW)
VANCOUVER, Jan. 31 /CNW/ - Outdoor Adventures Whistler (OAW) only recently learned of tragic and regrettable events regarding a cull of animals at Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. (Howling Dogs) that are the subject of a WCB ruling issued last week. Contrary to media reports, OAW did not instruct the General Manager to carry out the cull in the manner described in the report.
OAW was aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dogs in April 2010 but it was our expectation that it was done in a proper, legal and humane manner. We only learned otherwise on Friday, January 28 when we read the WCB ruling for the first time.
OAW is now investigating the matter.
BACKGROUND
While OAW has had a financial interest in Howling Dogs for 4 years the operational control of the company remained with the employee referred to in the WCB ruling who was the General Manager of Howling Dogs at the time of the incident. The employee in question in the ruling submitted both the employee report and the employer report to WCB.
Not long after the events of late April, the employee in question ceased managing the business. This employee continues to get our support as he heals from his injuries and illness. Because of the information in the WCB ruling pertaining to his emotional condition we don't feel it is appropriate to release further information about this individual.
In May 2010 Outdoor Adventures assumed operational control of Howling Dogs. With professional consultation and new leadership, Howling Dogs made significant changes to the business, the intention of which was to ensure humane treatment of our dogs and improved safety protocols of the operation. Measures included:
* Relocation and delivery of dogs throughout Canada. Approximately 75 of the most capable dogs were delivered across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario to other operations. These dogs were given away for free and delivered at Howling Dog's expense.
* The neutering of all male dogs in the kennel to mitigate unwanted pregnancies and ultimately manage our population. This program was designed and implemented with our staff and our veterinarian in Whistler.
* Creation of an open-pen style kennel where dogs are not tethered or chained. Consulted with animal behavioral specialists and professionals to determine the best format and layout for this type of kennel. Currently 85% of our kennel has been transitioned with a goal of 100% transitioned before Summer 2011.
* It is now company policy that any dogs requiring euthanasia do so at our veterinarian's office. To this effect there are no firearms on our site.
We have hired a new manager for Howling Dogs who with the support of key operational staff at Outdoor Adventures is working to craft the finest dogsled operation in the world with the highest standards in the industry.
On December 1, 2010 our veterinarian conducted his bi-annual inspection of all dogs and kennel conditions and the summary of his report reads, "Overall, I am very pleased at the substantive improvements seen at the facility and have no concerns about the dogs' quality of life or for the care they are provided. Overall, this is a healthy and well cared for group of dogs."
For further information:
Media Contact:
media@adventureswhistler.com