Torture of Dog by Youths

We have learned from the Sept. 21 article that six apparent “youths” systematically tortured a dog for a period of more than three hours. The dog was ultimately set afire by the “youngsters.” Thankfully, the dog died, thereby not feeling the abuse and torment any longer.

The actions of the “kids,” if true, were so heinous, calculating, coldblooded and premeditated that one can conclude we are dealing with somewhat mature and sophisticated minds on the part of the 15-year-olds. The age of the young adults viewed in connection with their egregious conduct should cause the trial to be conducted as one for adults, not juveniles.

If the facts depicted in the your article are true, and one or more guilty verdicts are brought in, no less than adult penalties should apply. If one or more of the defendants are found not guilty, the penalty is irrelevant as to that/those individual(s), which should assuage any fears of those who believe in the innocence of the accused.

JOE HARITON, DIANE MANZO-HARITON, Beverly Hills

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It amazes me, although it no longer surprises me, that parents support their child without question, no matter how gruesome or horrific the crime committed. I am referring to the incident of the dog who was tortured for hours and then set ablaze and burned alive.

The parents automatically insisted the police arrested the wrong teen-ager (their son), despite the fact the police arrived on the scene and saw for themselves who was involved.

When we wonder why there is so much violence among our young people, we can trace it back to parents who deny their children could ever do anything wrong. No parents want to admits their child would do this but until parents are able to look at their children objectively--capable of good and evil--our society is only going to get more twisted.

MARA ST. JAMES, Buellton

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I was very upset and my children cried over this. However, I also blame shelters and animal rights groups that give animals to adopt, to save them from being put to sleep. It is more humane to put animals to sleep than giving them to the wrong people, or seeing them abused.

IRENE MENDOZA, Northridge