Angry at Picture

I couldn’t help but feel disgusted and shocked by your “My Best Shot” of the painted elephant on parade in Jaipur, India (June 5). I am sure much of your intelligent and thinking readership would feel as I do: that your choice of such a picture represents an irresponsible and ignorant attitude on the part of The Los Angeles Times regarding appropriate and humane treatment of animals.

An animal is beautiful as nature created it, in its own environment, not slathered with paint all over its skin and paraded about on the hot city streets.

Let’s grow up, and start teaching our children to respect the environment and all living beings with whom we share our world.

SUSAN K. OLENICK

Los Angeles