Krabloonik GM Guy Courtney resigns

Guy Courtney, general manager of the Krabloonik dogsledding business, submitted his resignation Tuesday, effective immediately.

Courtney said his reason for resigning was to distance himself while negotiating with owner Dan MacEachen to purchase the Snowmass Village business, which he remains “willing and able” to do.

Allegations of animal abuse at Krabloonik have been making press over the past month, starting with a child-custody hearing in Glenwood Springs in September and continuing with residents speaking at public meetings and submitting letters to the editor.

A routine inspection by the state Veterinarian’s Office on Oct. 3 found Krabloonik in violation of three rules regarding dog-breeding facilities. The inspector reported 20 to 40 dogs that appeared too thin and two that needed veterinary care.

MacEachen denied the allegations during the court hearing, a custody dispute between his daughter and a former musher. Several people showed up at a Snowmass Village Town Council meeting on Oct. 21 on his behalf to say that “things are good at Krabloonik,” as family attorney David Mylar said.

Krabloonik is the largest sled-dog kennel in North America.

“We need to be the best kennel in North America,” which is why Courtney wants to purchase it, he said.

That includes the “dogs, dog care, customer care (and) restaurants,” Courtney said.