Letters to the Editor - Animal Companions

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - ANIMAL COMPANIONS

Monkey biz

Dear Editor,

Your article ["Fight over store bite," News, Aug. 3] ignores key factors in the recent spat between a monkey and child at a local supermarket.

As a disabled person who also works in animal protection, this unfortunate situation illustrates a profound misunderstanding of both primate behavior and the true needs of most disabled people.

Even monkeys that are supposedly trained to be personal attendants are subjected to electric shock and have all their teeth removed before being placed with disabled hosts: a clear warning sign that monkeys are ill-suited for this role.

Furthermore, monkeys in captivity lack opportunities to express normal biological behaviors and, as a result, often become neurotic and dangerous. This is even more pronounced with so-called service monkeys who are subjected to greater demands and, along with it, increased stress.

It is time to move beyond cute, but inadequate sideshow remedies to address the real life needs of disabled people. As this situation shows, more monkey business won't do.

Lawrence Carter-Long

Editors note: The writer is Northeast Director for In Defense of Animals.

Brooklyn

Dogs and Cats in Korea

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your June 15, 2004 article, "For Koreans, Dogs Aren't Just Food: Le Monde." It is heartening news to those of us who are working vigorously to end animal cruelty in South Korea. We're not celebrating just yet, however. It is no secret that although the South Korean Government has laws in place to protect dogs and cats from abuse it thoughtlessly ignores the very laws it put in place. Although the majority of Koreans do not eat dog or cat meat, two million dogs and cats are still electrocuted, strangled, bludgeoned to death, or boiled alive each year. I hope that those Koreans who live with dogs and cats and recognize their ability to suffer and feel pain and their desire to live will not sit back while dogs are beaten to death to make their flesh taste better. I hope that your readers will use their voices to contact the government of South Korea and demand immediate action.

Dogs Left in Cars

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your article reminding readers of potential dangers to animals during the warm summer months (Summer can be rough time for animals June 13, 2004). Those of us working to help animals know too well the misery that animals can endure because of carelessness on behalf of their guardians. Several times a year we learn of tragedies that could have been prevented. People tend not to realize that during the "dog days" of summer, for example, the temperature inside a car can climb to well above 100慚 degrees in just a matter of minutes. Because dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads, it is especially dangerous for them to sit in a hot car. The American people love their companions and many want to take them everywhere they go. It is important, however, to realize that during the warm summer months, the safest place for Rover is indoors. If he or she must stay outside for long, avoid the hottest part of the day. Provide shade, water, and a kiddie pool. We appreciate the responsibility your paper exhibited by proactively warning against such behaviors rather than having to read about the potential tragedies after they take place.

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