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Clausthal-Zellerfeld (dpa) - Sled dog owners in the Harz are struggling with financial difficulties due to the corona-related tourist slump.
Large teams with 40 to 50 dogs have "serious problems" just to cover the food costs, reported Manfred Gromann from Clausthal-Zellerfeld, who has been involved in sled dog sports for ten years.
Usually they offer hikes with sled dogs for visitors.
Dog lovers also have to forego competitions.
The traditional Upper Harz sled dog race in February is canceled.
The race has not taken place in the past three years due to a lack of snow, as the spokeswoman for the Clausthal-Zellerfeld tourist office, Silvia Hoheisel, said.
"If we should have a great winter now, we will of course all be angry."
But Gromann still has to move his four Siberian huskies.
"The dogs just want to run," said the 66-year-old.
Lack of snow is the rule and does not prevent him from training.
Instead of runners, he rides a cart with wheels or harnesses the animals to his mountain bike.
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Unlike a horse-drawn carriage, the Grand Man does not lead the dogs with reins.
"They are only directed by acclamation."
If someone walks towards them, he calls out “pass left” or “pass right”.
At 35 to 40 km / h racing speed, this requires a quick reaction: "When things get tough, the dogs have to do it in a split second," said Gromann.
How well a dog does in front of the sledge depends not only on its breed, but also on its character.
His first bitch is a special case, said Gromann.
“This dog is a diva.
It only runs when there are spectators. "
If there are none in sight, take it slowly.
"You can't stop the dog from doing that either."