Photo: ©2011 CTV News

By Kenn Bell for the Dog Files

Protesters and their dogs gathered Saturday in Whistler, British Columbia in remembrance of the 100 sled dogs that were killed “execution style” and thrown into a mass grave by the Company, Outdoor Adventures, because of a slump in tourism.

As they marched two by two like sled dogs, they asked passers-by to sign a petition demanding the Canadian Government enact tougher animal cruelty laws. In return, the protesters were happy to hear the spontaneous bursts of applause that came from the friendly crowds.

The walk ended at the front of the Outdoor Adventures Building, which had offered sled dog rides to tourists in Whistler, British Columbia, and was responsible for the horrendous culling.

Noticeably, the company sign has been taken down and a security guard stood watch at the front door.

The organizer of the event, Jordan Tesluk, said he had to hold back tears when he heard about the dead dogs and wanted to help raise money for animal welfare groups.

“There’s people that fight tooth and nail on a day-to-day basis to protect animals, and the best thing that people can do is to support those people that are doing that good work,” said Tesluk, who has an American Eskimo Mix himself.

At the end of the solemn ceremony, Tesluk, asked everyone go home, snuggle with their pups and donate to the rescue group of their choice.

Some local protesters said that Whistler is a dog-friendly town and that this horrible event will leave a black mark on the resort community for a long time but they are adamant with working tirelessly to get tougher penalties against animal abusers and get justice for the dead sled dogs.

Photo: ©2011 CTV News

Photo: ©2011 CTV News