Pound Animals for Research

We are writing to express our appreciation for your June 17 editorial commending the Board of Supervisors for its decision to continue the sale of pound animals for medical research. We agree with your editorial comment that pound animals “can serve usefully in bringing new hope through research on the frontiers of modern medicine.” Because the cost of doing medical research is very high, animal research would become much more expensive if pound animals were no longer available, and many vital research projects would be eliminated or curtailed.

The Los Angeles affiliate of the American Heart Assn. believes in humane and ethical treatment of animals. We are also committed to reducing the incidence of heart disease and to preserving and extending human life. We know that most of the major advances in heart research during the last decade--coronary bypass surgery, the heart pacemaker, the artificial heart, heart transplants and drugs to control hypertension--are direct results of research on animals.

The Times has consistently supported the use of animals for research. We are grateful for your continued understanding of this complex issue.

MICHAEL T. PFEIFFER

Chair, Public Policy Committee

American Heart Assn.

Los Angeles