Advance Screening: ‘Sled Dogs’ Exposes Dark Side of the Iditarod

PETA to Host Q&A Session With Film’s Director

For Immediate Release:
April 20, 2017

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

What:    Just weeks after one of the deadliest Iditarod races on record, PETA is hosting a special advance screening of Sled Dogs, the hard-hitting new documentary that exposes for the first time ever the dark side of the “Last Great Race on Earth”—which claimed five lives this year alone—including rarely seen footage of dogs with bloody paws and sick from infections while on the trail as well as dogs being chained 24/7 when not racing.

When:    Sunday, April 23—Check-in for the media is at 5 p.m.

Where:    The PETA Empathy Center, 2624 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

The movie (trailer available here) has been described as the Blackfish of the dogsledding industry and takes viewers to the frontlines of the annual event, which forces dogs to pull heavy loads in subzero temperatures over 1,000 miles of harsh Alaskan terrain. It will debut in the U.S. in July.

The event will also include a Q&A session with the film’s director, Fern Levitt, and veterinarian Dr. Paula Kislak, who is featured in the film and currently serves on the board of directors of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. Two rescued “huskies against the Iditarod” will also attend with their guardians.

A vegan food truck will be parked outside the event, which is part of the “PETAflix & Chill” film-screening series.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.