LETTERS: SUPPORT PROPOSITION A ON NOV. 3

To the editor:

Recently I have had the opportunity to speak to several fourth- and fifth-grade classes regarding responsible pet ownership and domestic animal abuse. These young students have been reading the novel "Shiloh," which deals with the abuse of a dog, in their literature classes.

As I speak to these students about responsible pet ownership, I find them receptive to information regarding leash and tag laws, the need to spay and neuter pets, extreme weather conditions and the health, hygiene and nutritional needs of pets. But when the conversation turns to animal abuse and the Humane Society's role in the reporting of abuse and neglect of domestic animals, the mood in the room changes.

The facial expressions of our children reflect astonishment, disgust, horror and sadness when they learn that animal abuse does, in fact, occur in their own community. Be assured, details of individual cases are not shared with the children. And when they learn that legal abuse occurs in the form of animal fighting, their astonishment turns to outrage. They ask: How can it be that such a horrific activity is legal in their community and in their state? How, indeed.

Missouri one of only five states that legalizes animal fighting. As our local police will attest, animal fighting rings operate within 25 miles of our community, and animals are raised for the ring inside our city and in the surrounding area. Most of the fights are to the death. Often, gaffs, which are long, razor-type knives, are attached to roosters and other animals to make the fight more entertaining. Other times, animals used in such events are maimed before the event to render them appropriate for the ring. An example is bears that have tendons cut and all teeth and claws removed before being used to wrestle with humans.

Animal fighting is often advertised as a family activity, and admittance fees for children are frequently half-price. Prostitution and organized gambling have been associated with animal fighting in this and other states.

Are you feeling astonished, disgusted, horrified and saddened? Are you outraged that animal fighting is legal in our state? Let us as adults follow the lead of our children. Let us say no to the continuance of such barbaric and senseless abuse of animals. Let us give our children a state and community in which to live where laws do not sanction such activities. Let us reassure our children of our values by voting against animal fighting. Please vote yes on Proposition A on Nov. 3.

CYNTHIA KOTHE, Program Coordinator

Humane Society of Southeast Missouri

Cape Girardeau