Tourists From Oregon, Tossed From Sled On Dogsled Ride, Blame Monson-Butcher Dog Kennel

 

Oregon tourist couple files lawsuit over dogsled crash in Fairbanks

FROM THE ALASKA BEACON BY: JAMES BROOKS-MARCH 20, 2026 

 A team of dogs preares to pull a sled on May 20, 2017, in the Juneau Icefield near Juneau, Alaska. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)

An Oregon couple has sued a kennel founded by Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, saying they were injured during a 2024 dogsled tour.

Randall and Philippa Hall filed suit in Fairbanks Superior Court on Thursday against Trail Breaker Kennel of Fairbanks. 

According to the complaint, the Halls were riding in a sled basket during a tour and were “thrown to the ground” after their sled “hit a hazard that was on or at the edge of the trail, causing the sled to overturn.”

The lawsuit claims the crash was the result of the kennel and its employees and that the Halls suffered injuries that required medical treatment and caused long-term effects. 

The complaint does not specify their injuries but asks for unspecified monetary damages to be awarded at trial. 

The Halls’ attorney, Douglas Johnson of Anchorage, did not return a phone call seeking more information about the case.

Under Alaska law, victims have two years to file personal injury claims before the statute of limitations takes effect. The Halls’ case was filed 11 days before the 2-year mark. 

Tekla Monson is the eldest daughter of Butcher and David Monson and the owner of the kennel. 

Reached by cellphone on Friday, she said she was aware of the 2024 accident but wasn’t aware of the lawsuit until contacted by the Beacon and declined comment.