Animal Mutilation

This letter is in regard to John M. Glionna’s report “Are Coyotes or Demented People Responsible for Killing of Cats?” (Nov. 22).

I appreciate the concern people have for cats and agree that it would take a “sick mind” to mutilate cats. I am a cat lover myself; my husband I are the proud companions (not owners!) of five beautiful cats (and two dogs).

I would hope, though, that the people who are outraged about the mutilation of pets are aware about what is going on every single day in thousands of slaughterhouses and on “farms” where “fresh” chicken and beef come from. Chickens, calves, cattle, pigs, turkeys, ducks, etc., are being raised with no sunlight, no space to move, pumped with hormones and chemicals, then slaughtered and prepared for people to eat.

To most people, this seems to be acceptable. Is it “mutilation” only when the victim is a pet and has a name?

FRANZISKA VON BELOW, El Cajon