“Game of Thrones” fans are buying huskies, shepherds and other high-energy dogs and then dumping them at shelters, Monterey County shelter officials say.
The popular fantasy television show features Northern Inuit dog actors — a breed closely related to the Siberian husky — as direwolves, a breed of animal that did once exist in North America, but is now extinct.
In the past, certain dog breeds have become popular when they are featured on television or in movies, such as in the movies “101 Dalmatians” or “Beverly Hills Chihuahua.” Unfortunately, according to the Monterey County Animal Services, that usually results in an increase of those breeds surrendered at animal shelters or picked up as strays.
With a new season of “Game of Thrones” due out soon, shelter staff members are concerned the popularity of huskies and similar breeds will continue to increase, and more of the energetic dogs will end up at the shelters.
Numbers of these breeds of dogs have increased at Monterey County shelters since 2015, despite pleas from activists and even “Game of Thrones” star Peter Dinklage to take energy levels into account when selecting a dog.
Ever since Game of Thrones premiered in 2011, there has been a spike in people buying wolf-like dog breeds like Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes. Unfortunately, these same people decide to abandon them in shelters when they realize just how much work it is owning a dog.
Wochit
In a 2017 statement from PETA, the organization says the sled dogs are in demand because of the show’s popularity. But often, it says, once owners understand the commitment the dogs require, they are abandoned.
“Please, to all of Game of Thrones’ many wonderful fans, we understand that due to the direwolves’ huge popularity, many folks are going out and buying huskies,” Dinklage, who plays Tyrion Lannister, said in the PETA statement. “Not only does this hurt all the deserving homeless dogs waiting for a chance at a good home in shelters, but shelters are also reporting that many of these huskies are being abandoned — as often happens when dogs are bought on impulse, without understanding their needs.”
Dinklage, a vegetarian, stressed the seriousness of pet selection. “Please, please, if you’re going to bring a dog into your family, make sure that you’re prepared for such a tremendous responsibility and remember to always, ALWAYS, adopt from a shelter,” he said.
Monterey County Animal Services, Salinas Animal Services and the SPCA for Monterey County have all seen the numbers of stray and surrendered huskies at their shelters double since 2015.
In 2015, Salinas Animal Services received 58 Alaskan or Siberian huskies. In 2018, the number of huskies received climbed to 113. The number of huskies the SPCA for Monterey County and Monterey County Animal Services received also increased by about 200% between 2015 and 2018, not counting dogs that are considered mixes.
“Huskies, while beautiful dogs, are a unique breed that you should do your research on before you adopt or buy. They are not for everyone,” said Cindy Burnham, animal services administrator for Monterey County and Salinas animal agencies.
Salinas Animal Services will hold an educational meeting on the needs of high-energy dogs April 6 at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas. Per a release, the goal of the meeting is to better educate pet owners of those breeds, in hopes of reducing the number surrendered to the shelter. The meeting is for owners only — no dogs allowed.
USA Today contributed to this report.
Kate Cimini covers agriculture, environment, and human interest stories for The Californian. Have a tip? Call her at (831) 776-5137 or email kcimini@thecalifornian.com. Subscribe for full access to all of The Californian’s local news coverage.
Read or Share this story: https://www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2019/03/30/game-thrones-fans-dump-huskies-shepherds-shelters/3316018002/
