LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ANIMALS NEED OOUR PROTECTION

Dear Editor:

On any given day, while working at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, it is not uncommon for employees to hear or witness some act of abuse or neglect against an animal. On Feb. 5, a stray cat was brought into the shelter that had been deliberately set on fire! This little black and white short hair was burned over 80 percent of his body.

I would like to say that I just cannot understand how this could happen to an animal, but I do understand. In understand how crimes against animals are rarely taken serouis, and are often just considered "pranks."

But senseless cruelty to animals must be taken serous and everyone's help is needed to prevent it! Case after c ase has been documented of people like Jeffrey Dahmer, the "Son of Sam" David Berkowitz, Albert DeSalvo (the "Boston Strangler") all of whom reportedly abused animals as young people; everything from settingcats on fire to strangling dogs to shooting other people's pets.

No, I don't think everyone who has abused an anomal as a child is going to grow up as a serial killer, but if their animal crimes go unpunished, what is that teaching them? I urge everyone to take animal crimes seriously, not just for the defenseless animal's sake, but maybe for the prevention of future crimes. Animal abuse is not harmless; it causes pain to these creatures, especially the domestic cag and dog whom, we as owners, are charged to protect. I know these animals hurt; I have held them in my arms and looked into their eyes and have seen pain too many times.

And, as a warning to cat owners: This is just one more good argument against letting your cat outside; cats are much more susceptible to these type crimes as they are allowed "free roam." The cat mentioned at the beginning of this letter, sadly passed away tow days later, but will remain in the hearts of all those who tired to save him. Please don't turn a blind eye and deaf ear to any crime against animals, because it could be your beloved pet as the next victim.

Nancy Richards