BETHLEHEM, Pa. — ArtsQuest’s beloved Oktoberfest wiener dog race not only highlights the breed’s “underlying ailments,” but also puts the dogs at a higher risk of injury and misleads future pet owners, according to the world’s largest animal rights organization.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has suggested ArtsQuest rethink its revered rover relay and sausage soiree, and swap it with a meet-and-greet style event for local shelter animals and potential guardians.
Such a move would send “a message of compassion and awareness,” one PETA official said.
"PETA urges ArtsQuest's Oktoberfest to actually help dogs by putting the spotlight on homeless ones in need of loving families."PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden
“PETA urges ArtsQuest's Oktoberfest to actually help dogs by putting the spotlight on homeless ones in need of loving families,” said PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden.
PETA sent a letter to the Bethlehem-based arts and cultural organization requesting the changes.
“We, of course, understand that the event is meant to be lighthearted and fun as well as designed to bring humans and dogs together,” said Elise Fisher, evidence analyst with PETA’s Cruelty Investigations Department, in the letter.
” … An event featuring one breed — especially one whose breeding is so controversial that it has prompted proposed legislation in the nation whose culture your festival celebrates — creates demand, in this case for dogs who often suffer immensely throughout their lifetime and require costly medical care that their guardians may not be aware of or cannot afford.”
'Torture breeding'
Fisher spoke of a potential ban on “torture breeding” from Germany’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, which, as part of the country’s Animal Welfare Act, would aim to do away with producing animals with “skeletal anomalies” or other conditions that could lead to suffering.
Dachshunds were originally bred to serve as tagalongs for badger hunters, since the dog’s stubby legs, long spines and compact feet made them ideal for burrowing after their targets, according to the American Kennel Club.
AKC reports that an uptick in the German rabbit population during the 19th century gave us the miniature dachshund.
PETA cited University of California-Davis data showing that around a quarter of dachshunds will face intervertebral disc disease, which would potentially cause them back pain and even paralysis, among other conditions.
Race still on
ArtsQuest President Kassie Hilgert told LehighValleyNews.com that while Oktoberfest’s 2024 wiener dog race is still a go, those looking to adopt a pet may be in luck once the event schedule is announced in full at a later time.
“Pet owners, along with an enthusiastic crowd of all ages enjoy cheering on the fidos, who are having their own fun interacting with each other and enjoying their outdoor exercise around a small fenced-off area,” Hilgert wrote in an emailed statement.
” … ArtsQuest is fully supportive of and in agreement with Germany’s Agriculture Ministry’s stance of a ban on torture breeding, not in banning the dachshund breed itself, which was originally bred hundreds of years ago for hunting. Lastly, ArtsQuest fully supports pet adoption and will be inviting pet shelters to this year’s Oktoberfest to help promote pet adoption versus buying from unethical breeders.”
“ArtsQuest fully supports pet adoption and will be inviting pet shelters to this year’s Oktoberfest to help promote pet adoption versus buying from unethical breeders.”ArtsQuest President Kassie Hilgert
Hilgert also said for folks to keep in mind that the race is open to not only dachshunds but also all small dogs under 25 pounds.
ArtQuest’s Oktoberfest is going into its 14th year and is scheduled for Oct. 4-6 and 11-13.
The two-weekend, free festival features a 5K, brews, food, live music, local artisans, a Brewer’s Village and the Pennsylvania State Steinholding Championship — plus the Wiener Dog Races & Parade.
