PETA urges Oktoberfest on Oklahoma to replace annual dachshund dash

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Animal rights organization, PETA, sent a letter to the director of Tulsa's Oktoberfest Festival, Tonja Carrigg, urging her to replace the dachshund dash with an adoption event featuring dogs from local shelters.

In the letter, PETA Vice President of Evidence Analysis Daniel Paden argues, “Dachshund races mislead attendees into thinking that these dogs’ deformities are something to celebrate when in reality they can cause lifelong suffering.”

Dachshunds are intentionally bred to have a long spine and stubby legs to appeal to humans.

PETA argues due to their intentionally bred deformities, they have a higher risk of developing spinal, knee, and other joint problems.

These concerns recently prompted legislative action in Germany, the nation whose culture Tulsa’s Oktoberfest replicates and celebrates.

Germany recently proposed a ban on breeding dachshunds, and other dogs with “skeletal anomalies,” as part of its Animal Protection Act.

While the event is meant to be fun and adorable, PETA says events like this one put the dogs at higher risk of injury and mislead attendees to celebrate deformities that “compromise the dog's health, quality of life, and psychological welfare.”

“[PETA knows] that these events are meant to be lighthearted and fun. but featuring these intentionally deformed dogs at the dachshund dash misleads people into thinking that dachshund’s bodies evolved naturally and glamorizes the breed,” Elise Fisher, PETA evidence analyst, said. “This creates more demand for purebred dogs who suffer immensely from breeding and often require costly medical care that their owners were not aware of and cannot afford.”

Carrigg said she had no comment when asked about PETA’s concerns and suggested replacement.

As of right now, Carrigg says they are still planning to host the dachshund dash at this year’s Oktoberfest celebration.