NOME, Alaska — Sled dogs in the world-famous Iditarod sled dog race tested positive for a banned opioid for the first time since testing of the dogs for banned substances started back in 1994.
Race officials, however, are not releasing the name of the musher whose dogs tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol, according to CBS News.
Dog teams were tested after the 1,000 mile trek ended in Nome, Alaska back in March.
Iditarod dog sled team tests positive for Tramadol in drug doping test https://t.co/zSc5Ymc375 pic.twitter.com/9kUZc74HA4
— dwnews (@dwnews) October 19, 2017
It's unknown when the drugs were administered or the exact number of dogs from the team that tested positive, CBS News reported, but the drugs could have been administered any time right before the end of the race or as long as 15 hours beforehand.
Iditarod spokesman Chas St. George told CBS News in an email that there are several reasons the organization is not releasing the musher's name. An attorney advised against it and race officials said they most likely can't prove the musher gave the dogs drugs on purpose.
The Iditarod also won’t ban the musher from next year’s race.
Only dog teams from the top 20 race finalists are tested.
Iditarod dogs test positive for opioid painkiller, but musher will go unpunished https://t.co/bT9z9E4qEw
— Aisaya (@Aisayayarady) October 19, 2017
Cox Media Group
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