Watch Sled Dogs

Sled Dogs is a documentary film that explores the harsh reality of the sled dog industry in Canada. The film sheds light on the unethical practices carried out by industry operators, who exploit the dogs' physical capabilities to race them in extreme conditions and earn huge profits. The movie was released in 2016, and its runtime is 81 minutes.

The film follows the journeys of several sled dogs and their owners, who participate in races such as the infamous Iditarod. The director, Fern Levitt, manages to capture the exhilarating yet grueling nature of these races through stunning cinematography. However, as the narrative progresses, we start to witness the hidden and sinister side of the industry.

The sled dog industry has been long criticized for placing profits above the welfare of the animals. The film provides a glimpse into the lives of these animals, which are subjected to brutal training regimes and are often left to suffer injuries or even death. The owners are often portrayed as cruel and heartless, with little regard for the dogs' wellbeing.

One of the most shocking revelations of the film is the practice of culling dogs. When dogs are no longer able to race, the owners often resort to eliminating them rather than retiring or rehoming them. The film shows how the dogs are often shot, beaten or even buried alive, revealing a side of the industry that has long been kept hidden from the public.

The documentary also highlights how the industry is often romanticized and marketed to tourists as a symbol of Canadian identity. Yet, the reality is far from the image presented to the public. The film reveals that the dogs are often crowded in small cages and are not given adequate food, water or shelter. There are also numerous cases of neglect and abuse, with dogs suffering from frostbite, dehydration, and starvation.

As the narrative builds, we see the devastating impact of the industry on the animals. The film portrays the dogs as sentient beings that experience joy, pain, and suffering, and not just mere objects to be used for human entertainment. The dogs are portrayed through close-ups and personal stories, and their individual personalities shine through. We see them as loyal companions who are being exploited for selfish gains.

The documentary does not solely focus on the negative aspects of the industry but also highlights the work of animal rescue organizations who are fighting to put an end to these practices. We see how these organizations rescue and rehome the dogs, giving them a chance at a better life. The film ends on a hopeful note, with the message that change is possible and that we can all make a difference.

In conclusion, Sled Dogs is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that challenges our perception of the sled dog industry. The film manages to capture the beauty and brutality of this sport, while also highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding it. The documentary offers a new perspective on the lives of these animals and forces us to question our own ethical beliefs when it comes to the treatment of animals. Sled Dogs is a must-watch for anyone who cares about animal welfare, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

Sled Dogs is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 70.