LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Newspapers frequently print articles that encourage the abuse of animals by, for example, glorifying hunting, promoting rodeos and circuses, and encouraging medical experimentation on animals. You can write letters to the editors of newspapers in response to articles and editorials to help raise awareness about animal rights.

Not all letters to the editor have to be rebuttals. You can also write letters to the editors about animal-related issues even if the publication has not printed an article or editorial on the issue. For example, if the circus is coming to town write a letter about circus cruelty. Around Mother's Day write a letter about veal calves who are removed from their mothers at just one day old. Remember to make your letters polite and informative.

If letter writing is your forte, join IDA's Writing Group. This informal group receives alerts once a week about a current news event that needs to be replied to with a letter to the editor. E-mail Kristie Phelps at Kristie@idausa.org for more information or to join.


Tips on Writing Letters to the Editor

  • Send responses to stories that have run in daily newspapers within 48 hours. Newspapers are more likely to run letters soon after the original article than weeks later.
  • Typed letters, preferably e-mailed are favored. If you must handwrite your letter, ensure that it is legible. Editors are very busy and if he/she can't read your writing, he/she will likely throw it out.
  • Check your spelling. Look up uncommon words. If you cannot spell correctly in your letter, the editor might question your credibility.
  • Keep it short. Editors prefer shorter letters, so stay under 300 words.
  • Don't be discouraged if your letters aren't printed right away. Newspapers hear from hundreds if not thousands of readers every day. Keep trying. In the least you are honing your skills and educating the screener.
  • Keep letters polite. Avoid name-calling and instead let readers decide for themselves with the compelling facts you present in your letter.
  • Be certain to include your name, address, and day and evening telephone numbers in your letter. Most newspapers verify authorship before they will print letters.

Here are some categories of letters to the editor that you can pull from to get you started:

Animal Companions

Animals in Entertainment

Animal Research

Guardian Campaign