Artist Under Investigation for Neglecting Sled Dogs

You always think of artists as being sensitive to others needs, but this case proves that there is an exception to the rule.  Internationally renowned artist, Archie Beaulieu currently living in the remote Canadian community of Behchoko in the Northwest Territories is under investigation by the RCMP. 

This new inquiry into the artist comes after 44 of his sled dogs, including a dozen puppies were found suffering from severe malnourishment.  Their conditions were so bad that they had to be put to sleep. 

Local veterinarian and senior RCMP officer, Tom Pisz visited the artist’s property and found the dogs.  He also made the decision to give the dog’s lethal injection.  He stated to the Canadian Press, ‘It had been raining and the dogs were up to their bellies in mud and feces... The smell was horrifying.’

All of the dogs were in a fenced compound that only contained about three dog houses for all of them!  Plus, there was no sign of food or water. 

Pisz went on to state, ‘some had skin sores and wounds from fighting with each other, others were limping…The puppies were hiding under scrap wood.’

An RCMP Staff Sgt. Francis Cullen found that the dogs were in very poor condition, so they are currently determining whether or not to lay charges against Beaulieu. 

Behchoko is a small town of only about 2,000 people.  The dog’s owner, Beaulieu is a Dene artist who’s most often known for his paintings that depict animals of northern Canada.  His artwork has been presented to such elite as Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul while also being purchased by governments, dignitaries, corporations and collectors around world. 

It seems that Beaulieu is kind of hard to reach these days.  He couldn’t be reached for comment by the press and a town official stated that the man walked right by him on Tuesday without saying a word.  In addition, a representative from the agency handling Beaulieu’s work stated that they have been trying without success to contact the man for weeks.

Source: http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/canada/article/119710