Alaska Dog Kennel Deaths Spark Investigation

0:00It's April 17. You're listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. 25 sled dogs turned up dead at a kennel north of Willow, Alaska. A guy with vet experience named Michael Dolanar spotted them on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the Caswell Lakes area. He found most starved in rundown dog houses with one pup barely alive that he rushed to a clinic. Alaska State troopers confirmed the deaths this week and launched a criminal probe into animal cruelty. Earlier this week, word spread fast in Alaska's mushing circles. The dogs belonged to a couple running walkers wild ride kennel, casual mushers who rented the spot. Locals say the pair ignored offers to rehome the animals with one owner even bailing out of state. No response from them so far on the mess. Mushers in the northern Susitna Valley have been blowing up the Madanuska Susitna Burle animal control line for months, reporting no food, water, or tracks to the property.

1:01One mousher halt supplies there in January, but the officer on scene blocked her from helping and downplayed it as neighbor drama. Frustration bowled over as races kept folks away through winter. Troopers hit the site Wednesday after Dolanar's report, but details are tight since its active. No charges fouled yet. Meanwhile, the Burles reviewing its own response, promising a public report on fixes and admitting they got a step up for animal protection. This tragedy's got the community demanding real change from owners and officials alike, pushing for quicker action on neglect calls before more lives. Our lost stay tuned as the investigation unfolds.