The TV series Game of Thrones might make huskies seem appealing, but that is also causing difficulties for the energetic canines, mushers say.
Many people infatuated with the "direwolves" featured in the series are buying huskies but then dumping them or not taking care of them properly, some of the mushers taking part in the Real Dog 50 dryland sled dog racing in Naseby on Saturday said.
Doyleston man Justin Faulkner said huskies were incredibly energetic pack animals who needed large amounts of care and exercise.
"A lot of people who see Game of Thrones want them [huskies] as a status symbol and because they think they’re cute and cuddly. They are cute and cuddly, but they are really hard work. You need to understand the dogs before you think about getting one."
In the United Kingdom and United States people are being warned to stop buying huskies after the number of abandoned husky dogs skyrocketed after Game of Thrones began.
In New Zealand, rescue homes were also taking in huskies, and many of the dogs taking part in the dryland sled dog racing in Naseby had come from rescue homes, Mr Faulkner said. His six Siberian huskies all came from rescue homes.
Mr Faulkner’s son, Jake Faulkner (13) was the youngest to take part in the weekend event, which featured about 15 competitors with packs of dogs in 10km, 25km and 50km courses through the Ernslaw One Forest in Naseby.
Jake, who has been taking part in sled events since he was 4, said he had "incredible" dogs and it was "good to be with my dogs and have fun". He said when he was out on tracks being pulled by his dogs he felt like "one of the luckiest people alive".
Mr Faulkner said sled racing was a great family pastime and competitors supported each other, helping look after rivals’ dogs at events.
