The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has urged the Whistler Film Festival to resist pressure to withdraw the film screening of the documentary ‘Sled Dogs’ after a backlash on social media from those within the industry.

The film questions the treatment of dogs within the sled dog industry and is scheduled to premier at the festival on Saturday.

In a release, VHS, which was interviewed for the film says it’s important that people see what the documentary reveals and make up their own minds. The organization campaigned for a ban on sled dog tours and races in 2011.

In response to calls for the film to be pulled from the festival lineup Whistler Film Festival (WFF) organizers say they’re comfortable the documentary is well researched and gives voice to different points of view. They say very few people have screened the film prior to its upcoming world premiere and believe that certain members of the commercial dog sled industry may be reacting to online trailers, which are designed to sell tickets.

No Whistler companies have asked for the film to be withdrawn, and all have seen it. WFF says they’re confident that once the film is screened, many of the concerns expressed by the commercial dog sled industry may be alleviated or at least somewhat mitigated.

Mountain FM has reached out to the sled dog industry but has yet to receive a comment.

 

Photo Credit: re-ality / flickr.com

Filed under: Sled Dogs, Whistler, Whistler Film Festival