Dead dog in the sledge

Jan Vidar Dahle arrived at the checkpoint in Jotka with a dead dog in his sledge. The dog died in the sledge and will be transported to Alta for an examination during the night.

"It is to be regretted and in our thoughts we are with Dahle, who is very sad after what happened. This is something that happens sometimes - in races as much as outside", says Hans Petter Dalby from Finnmarkslopet. "We did experience this before but it is very seldom", says Veterinarian Leader Charlotte Lechbrandt. At most she feels sorry for Dahle and Finnmarkslopet.

The cause of death is unclear

Lechbrandt says that she doesn´t know the cause of death before the examination. The dog will be transported to Alta and will be examinated tomorrow through local veterinarian Kjell Korby. Lechbrandt specifies that she did knew Dahle as a man who is very skilled in handling dogs and she doesnt believe that Dahle has broken any rule about the nursing of the dogs.

He followed the procedures

The referee Rutha Bang Pedersen says that Dahle has followed the rules for such a case and has reported it on the next checkpoint. Pederson tells that the referees and veterinarian had a meeting and agreed that Dahle can still continue with the race. Pederson also says that all dogs where examinated in all checkpoints the Team passed and no reports of any weaknesses were present. The dog was in the sledge when he died.

We ask to show consideration about the shocked Musher and possible questions can be asked to veterinarian Charlotte Lechbrandt, chief press officer Hans Petter Dalby and Kjetil Vaage Oie.

As soon as any results arrive Finnmarkslopet will publish more information about.