To The Editor:
Mr. Weber is correct in stating dogs are valued more than wildlife ['They are just dogs, Oct. 10, 2008] As the Michael Vick story went to press thousands of hunters across the nation were no doubt scoping out the herds for their first day of deer season.
The only difference being wildlife don't suffer anywhere near the magnitude
that Vick's dogs suffered nor for that matter any fighting dog. What Mr. Weber is missing is the fact that dogs are living breathing creatures that are deserving of respect, compassion and kindness.
Yes, the letter of the law considers domestic animals property. It is a two way street however. In one sense it means our non-human friends are worthy of protective rights, which is the reason we have humane societies in this country.
The down side is what Mr. Weber has already stated but, that is slowly changing as animal rights groups are lobbying for legislation to recognize domestic animals as 'living beings' opposed to just property.
One such group is the Doris Day Animal League. Let me further remind Mr.
Weber that at one time in our nations history black people were considered property and their owners fought them too against their will. That too was wrong as dog fighting is wrong today.
An argument often used by individuals possessing Mr. Webers mentality is that people who care about animals care nothing about their own species. It is a lame argument and nothing is farther from the truth.
I have non-human companions and care a great deal about humans. I have been extremely proactive in various organizations like Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood and Hunger Action Network.
To answer Mr. Weber's question. Why is Michael Vick still in prison? The answer is simple: Dog fighting is illegal in every state in the union. Vick broke the law and is paying dearly for it, which is what he deserves.
I think Mr. Weber is at odds with the law rather than what happened to his dear buddy Michael Vick. In that case, I would suggest he lobby his elected officials to try and have the law changed!
Sincerely,
Jeffery L. Termini
UB Alumna
Class of 96
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
