The Inuit sled dog killing refers to a tragic event that occurred in 2016 in the Canadian Arctic, where a large number of sled dogs were killed as part of a culling process. This action was taken by Qimmiq, a company that relied on sled dogs for tourism and transportation. Due to changes in the tourism industry and a significantly reduced need for dog teams, the company decided to euthanize over 150 dogs to manage their population.
The event sparked widespread outrage and debate about animal rights and the treatment of working dogs in Indigenous communities. Many people were concerned about the ethical implications of the mass killing and called for more humane solutions for managing sled dog populations. This incident highlighted the challenges faced by Inuit communities in balancing traditional practices with modern realities and raised important questions about animal welfare and cultural heritage.