Animal Rights Advocates Say Dog Sledding Operation Is Criminal

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colo. (CBS4) – An animal rights group says a dog sledding operation in Snowmass Village is criminal and that the dogs need better care immediately.

A month ago Dan MacEachen, the owner of "Krabloonik Dog Sledding," had eight dogs seized and was charged for animal cruelty.

For the past five years Leigh Vogel and her group "Voices for the Krabloonik Dogs" have been urging local, state and federal officials to act.

"We are not saying don't dogsled, we are saying standards of care for these dogs in Snowmass Village, Colorado need to be raised now," said Vogel.

Krabloonik has been operating since the 1970s and currently has around 250 dogs. Some say it's the largest dog sledding kennel in North America.

"Sure there are differences between what might be on your or my couch and working dogs, but working dogs also deserve a standard of care," said Vogel.

MacEachen was in court on Tuesday and his attorney said afterward that they had no comment.

Local papers have said his operation is misunderstood.

Vogel said she's heard from many former employees about abuses and literal death sentences for dogs.

"With abuse allegations dating back to the late 1970s we'd like to see more aggressive charges," said Vogel. "The long-term hope is the immediate increase in the level of care with the support of the Snowmass Village town council to happen right now."

The land the kennel is on is owned by Snowmass Village and Krabloonik pays less than $1 a month.

Advocates of the dogs have said the town is turning a blind eye to the alleged neglect happening and helping the business' bottom line.