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02-08-22 Final Krabloonik Supplemental Report received 2 8 22.pdfSupplemental Report (received 2/8/22 via e mail from Seth Sachson) Over the past several months, numerous concerned parties, including but not limited to previous Krabloonik employees, have alleged that Krabloonik is operating in violation of its June 1st, 2015 contract with the Town of Snowmass Village (the “Contract”) and is violating state laws promulgated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. I have served as a volunteer member of the Krabloonik Best Practices Review Committee (the “Review Committee”) for the past 7 years. In that capacity, the Town of Snowmass Village has requested that I submit a supplemental report documenting my observations and recommendations regarding Krabloonik following a Review Committee visit to Krabloonik on January 17, 2022. Site Visit Observations On Monday, January 17, 2022, fellow Review Committee volunteer, Bland Nesbit, and I performed a surprise inspection of the Krabloonik facility. We arrived at Krabloonik at around 3pm and left at 4:40 pm. Bland called Krabloonik owner, Dan Phillips, after we arrived so he could inform his staff members that we were Review Committee members there to perform an unannounced inspection and instruct them to cooperate with us in performing our duties. The following are observations from the inspection: 1. Dogs We counted a total of 192 dogs that were either in chain link kennels or on chains, as well as 7 older dogs that wandered the property and interacted with visitors, staff, and the other dogs. We were told that of these approximately 199 dogs, about 33 are retired from pulling sleds. In accordance with their contract, Krabloonik is not allowed more than 175 dogs on premises, but Mr. Phillips had informed us in a previous Review Committee meeting that Krabloonik has a waiver from the Town of Snowmass Village due to accidental litters, as well as a surplus of retired dogs. The dogs looked healthy. Many were robust with thick double coats, while some were sleeker with thinner double coats. In their Contract, Krabloonik stated that they would be transitioning to the heavier, thicker-coated huskies in order to use fewer dogs on each team and to better equip the dogs to endure the cold winters. We were told by Krabloonik employees that these younger, sleeker Alaskan Huskies were the result of accidental breeding. 2. Housing As for housing, Krabloonik has chosen to do away with the traditional, wooden dog houses that have historically been utilized at Krabloonik and has replaced them with plastic igloos. The igloos were filled with a layer of clean straw. All of the plastic igloos were in fair to good condition except for one that had been chewed so much that it did not provide adequate shelter. We were told by the staff that they were planning on replacing this shelter with a new one. 3. Staff Reports Bland and I spoke with a total of 11 current employees during our inspection, all of whom were cooperative and seemed happy to answer our questions. We asked each of them if they had any concerns or complaints – none had any to report. As a side note, I have spoken separately with two former Krabloonik mushers who reported that Krabloonik has neglected the dogs and failed to abide by their contractual obligations. As a Review Committee member, after speaking at length with each of the two mushers, on separate occasions, with the conversations occurring years apart, I promptly reported each conversation to Town of Snowmass Village attorney, John Dresser, as well as the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act Program Section Chief at Colorado Department of Agriculture, Nick Fisher. 4. Food and Water As for food and water, all of the water cans were clean and were at least half full when we toured the kennel. We asked to see the dog food, and the dogs are fed a quality feed, Pro Pac, which is nutritionally balanced and high in protein. We also observed food being prepared for the dogs, and it was mixed with a generous portion of beef fat. The employees reported that they give treats to the dogs regularly throughout the day. 5. Operational Numbers Krabloonik reports that it is currently running 12 sleds a day, usually with 8 dogs to a sled. They run 4 sleds three times a day. That means that 96 dogs are being used to give tours each day. That number may be lower because we were told that some dogs are run twice a day. As stated previously, Krabloonik currently houses about 199 dogs. That means that there are over 100 dogs that are not working on any given day. Some of the surplus dogs are too young, some are too old, some are taking the day off from pulling, and some are not being used for other reasons. 6. Tethering In the “Best Practices” section of their Contract, Krabloonik has agreed to let the dogs off of their tethers to “free run.” Although they are free-running some of the days in the winter, the current employees stated that they are so busy with customers that not all of the retired dogs are getting off their tethers on a regular basis. Additionally, past mushers have reported that the dogs in the kennel are rarely released from their tethers in the summer season. 7. Spay/ Neuter Program The majority of Krabloonik dogs are not neutered. In addition to behavioral issues that develop in unneutered dogs, there are also physical issues that arise in a majority of dogs that are not neutered by 7 years of age. This is true in all dogs, not just sled dogs. According to past and current mushers, Krabloonik experiences numerous accidental litters each season due to unsterilized dogs getting loose from their chains and finding one another. We recommend neutering the dogs not only for health reasons, but to avoid unwanted litters, as well. Additionally, neutered dogs, especially males, will coexist much more peacefully than those that are left intact. Recommendations In short, having recently passed a surprise inspection by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, which took place on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, Krabloonik is, to the best of my knowledge, currently in good standing with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Pet Animal Care Facilities Act. As stated in the Contract, “Tenant shall comply with the licensing requirements and the rules and regulations of the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act…” Additionally, to the best of my knowledge, Krabloonik is currently in compliance with their Contract. However, while Krabloonik may be in compliance with the letter of the law and their contractual obligations, that does not mean that there are not areas for improvement. Many of our concerned parties have justly observed that these dogs deserve better. As a Review Committee member, I agree that Krabloonik can do more to improve the quality of life for the sled dogs and I am making the following recommendations – made in the spirit of offering best-practices ideas to benefit the dogs. In their 2016 Best Practices Plan, Krabloonik listed several ideas to increase the quality of life for the sled dogs. Although they have not, according to Snowmass Village, breached their Contract, they have, in my opinion, neglected to follow through with the majority of their promises: A. Spay/Neuter Program The Contract states that Krabloonik will execute a spay/neuter program as needed “to maintain a healthy and manageable kennel.” As previously stated, Krabloonik experiences unplanned litters due to unsterilized dogs getting loose from their chains and finding one another. Additionally, the older dogs often suffer from hormonally induced medical issues due to the fact that they are not neutered by 7 years of age. In our experience, the majority of older, female sled dogs that we have cared for at the Aspen Animal Shelter have benign and malignant mammary tumors that are discovered by our veterinarians when we spay them. We do see hormonally induced medical issues in the males, as well, but it is not as common as the mammary tumors in the females. We understand that Krabloonik wants to wait to neuter their dogs until they have a chance to see how well they mature, pull, etc. in order to decide which ones will be added to the breeding program, but it is important to neuter them at some point earlier than 7 years of age in order to avoid the health issues discussed above. By neutering the dogs, Krabloonik will have fewer surplus animals and a healthier population. I recommend that Krabloonik follow through with their spay/neuter program and neuter a majority of their dogs to avoid the health and behavioral issues described in detail above. In the past, Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter has paid to neuter over 100 Krabloonik dogs, and is ready and willing to continue this program into the future. Krabloonik has not requested spay/neuter assistance from Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter since 2015. B. Adoptions The Contract provides that Krabloonik will “work with the Aspen Animal Shelter…as well as any other organization that would like to help adopt out our retired friends.” Krabloonik currently has approximately 33 retired sled dogs that are available for adoption. They agree, in their contract, to work with outside organizations to help place their dogs. The Aspen Animal Shelter occasionally refers people to Krabloonik when they express an interest in adopting a sled dog, but Krabloonik has chosen to place their dogs on their own as opposed to bringing them to the Aspen Animal Shelter. Mr. Phillips has stated that he fears that placing his dogs in shelters might create the appearance that he is dumping his dogs. He has also expressed that many of the dogs will deteriorate in a shelter environment when removed from their familiar home at Krabloonik. It is worth noting that Mr. Phillips has expressed a desire to reduce his kennel to under 100 dogs. To begin the process, Krabloonik delivered 4 sled dogs to the Aspen Animal Shelter on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Their names are Mayhem, Aries, Orion and Emerald. The Aspen Animal Shelter is providing sanctuary for the dogs while simultaneously making them available for adoption. The dogs appear to be in good health. Aspen Animal Shelter veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Davis, examined all 4 dogs and can answer more specific questions about their condition upon request. The Aspen Animal Shelter has taken in over 100 Krabloonik sled dogs over the past 30 years, and except for a few, almost all of them have been adopted by responsible, loving owners. (contacts available upon request). However, Mr. Phillips is not wrong in being wary of who adopts these dogs, because they often have a tough time transitioning when placed in homes that lack an understanding of their specific needs. Although socialized as sled dogs, the Krabloonik dogs, in our past experiences, are often under-socialized as pets, and display behaviors ranging from, but not limited to, being wary of new people, uncomfortable in new settings and situations, going to the bathroom inside the home, etc. These behaviors are not unique to Krabloonik dogs. From experience, I can state that these behaviors are common in many sled dogs, as well as non- working dogs, that are raised in a kennel setting and not socialized with new people, places and things outside of the kennel property when they are young. C. Tethering The Contract requires Krabloonik to maintain “a humane tethering practice along with an excellent off-tether program that ensures each individual sled dog is treated as an individual and all of its needs are met.” Based on my thirty years of experience with sled dogs, tethering is far from ideal. It is more cost-efficient than quality kennel fencing, but tethered dogs that are not regularly exercised off-leash develop negative behaviors, ranging from running in circles to neurotic pacing. Not only do the dogs display these behaviors while tethered, but they will often continue to circle and pace when released from their tethers. Based on our past experience with some of the dogs that the Aspen Animal Shelter has received from Krabloonik, it takes time for them to relax their bodies and their minds and release themselves from these learned behaviors. I am not insinuating that kenneled dogs (as compared to tethered dogs) do not display any negative behaviors. Many dogs who live in kennels display cage aggression, chew on kennel doors, etc. Whether kenneled or tethered, every dog needs time, outside of a kennel or off a tether, to exercise its mind and body. When off-tether, non-aggressive dogs deserve to interact with one another. I completely understand that many dogs will fight, mate, etc. when interacting off- leash, and that is why off-leash interaction requires a knowledgeable, responsible staff to supervise them and determine which dogs are safe to place together, which dogs should be kept on their own, etc. In my opinion, in addition to pulling a sled, the dogs deserve to be released from their tethers daily. Additionally, in my opinion, Krabloonik does not have “an excellent off-tether program” as they promised in their contract. D. Record-Keeping The Town of Snowmass Village and Krabloonik would benefit from better record- keeping. There should be frequent surveys of the yard in which each dog is identified on a chart with photographs, specific descriptions, medical records, etc. so that all dogs will be accounted for and all parties involved will feel comfortable with record-keeping. Previous mushers have accused Krabloonik of replacing the identities of dead dogs with new replacements in order to cover up undocumented deaths. A more robust record-keeping program would help to allay these concerns. E. Web Cameras Additionally, if Krabloonik wants to be more transparent about its operations, I recommend the installation of web cameras on the property so that the public can watch the dogs while they are socializing in the yards via the Krabloonik web site. Not only will the cameras verify that the dogs are being rotated off-tether, but the cameras will also enhance Krabloonik’s reputation and serve as great entertainment for the public to log in and watch the dogs play. F. Indoor/Outdoor Facility For those who want to the dogs off their tethers, it is possible to create a tether-free facility to shelter the Krabloonik dogs from the elements while allowing them to live an indoor/outdoor life. Providing shelter from the elements and removing them from their tethers is not impossible, but it will require investment. In my opinion, the investment would be worthwhile for the dogs and for the business. I have spoken with Mr. Phillips regarding his numbers, and he is intent on reducing his kennel to under 100 dogs. I have sketched a simple 3,200 sq. ft. kennel that will house approximately 100 dogs. The steel building will house up to 100 dogs with 80 indoor kennels. Dogs that have proven themselves to be safe with others will live together as a pack – allowing for the ability to house 100 dogs in an 80- dog kennel. Obviously, the number of kennels can be increased by spending more money and increasing the square footage of the building. Garage doors will line the walls so that they can be raised each day in order to allow fresh air and sunlight to enter the structure. The garage doors could be left open at night except when deemed necessary to be closed during the colder months. The outer walls will have 5 yards attached so that the outside areas are easily accessed and used to rotate the dogs on a regular basis. Thus, the dogs will have a structure to protect them from the elements and keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When weather permits, packs of dogs that are deemed to be safe to be grouped together can spend their nights in the yards and can be rotated inside when the first employee shift starts each morning. G. Dog Park I recommend the creation of a dog park on the property in which different groups of dogs can visit with employees and visitors in a relaxed setting away from the kennel structure. A compatible group of dogs can even spend their nights outside together when weather permits. The dogs will benefit from the exercise and socialization. H. Purchase Option Acceleration One last idea is that if Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are interested in closing Krabloonik because they are overwhelmed by the operation, as well as the outside pressure to make changes to benefit the dogs, it might be a win-win for Snowmass Village to allow them to exercise their “Purchase Option” earlier than allowed in the contract (as described in the lease under Section 16.a.), by paying the “Option Price” of $2,300,000.00. Once exercised, they will own “Lot 45 of the Divide Subdivision and all improvements located thereon from the Landlord.” The property is currently worth significantly more than the Option Price. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips may decide to collect their money and leave earlier than the 2025 purchase option. Summary While preparing this report, the only remaining volunteer on the Review Committee other than me, Bland Nesbit, has resigned due to the controversy surrounding Krabloonik. Bland has determined that it is too difficult to find peace with her concern for the dogs and the minimum requirements allowed by law. The Review Committee members were asked by Snowmass Village to “inspect and review the operation of the Krabloonik Kennels to determine the extent to which Tenant is complying with the Best Practices.” The Review Committee has faithfully and candidly conducted its duties and has consistently determined that Krabloonik has complied with their minimum contractual requirements. Through this supplemental report, I have elected to use my voice in order to help us find common ground and some sense of resolve regarding this controversial dog-sledding operation. As Krabloonik and the Town of Snowmass Village move forward, I suggest that the Krabloonik lease be amended to eliminate abstract ideas and aspirations that are set forth in the Best Practices section, and to provide for specific, tangible rules for Krabloonik to follow. The dogs will benefit, and clear, concise language will eliminate subjectivity and confusion. As the last standing member of the Review Committee, these are my observations and recommendations, and I am happy to discuss them further in order to work through the issues and find a solution for all constituents – most importantly, the dogs. - Seth Sachson, Krabloonik Best Practices Review Committee