The asphyxiation death of a dog dropped from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has outraged animal rights activists who have long criticized the 1,000-mile race as cruel.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging Alaska prosecutors to file cruelty charges for those responsible for the death of 5-year-old Dorado, who died after being buried by drifting snow at a checkpoint.

The dog was found dead Friday morning in Unalakleet, 260 miles from the finish line in Nome.

Race spokeswoman Erin McLarnon referred questions to race officials, who did not immediately return request for comment.

The dog belonged to the team of rookie musher Paige Drobny. Her husband, Cody Strathe, said