Pamelyn Ferdin
* It seems that L.A. Deputy City Atty. Christine Whitaker was being somewhat vindictive in asking for a maximum jail sentence for animal rights activist Pamelyn Ferdin (“Prosecutor Seeks Six-Month Jail Term for Animal Rights Activist,” Jan. 24). Whitaker admits amending her sentencing brief after discovering Ferdin’s “prominent role” in the Animal Defense League.
Isn’t it unjust to single out a defendant for increased punishment just because he or she may be more newsworthy than the average protester? Does Ferdin’s role as a television actress contribute to Whitaker’s logic? It’s bad enough the deputy city attorney admits Ferdin never intended to possess a weapon, but making an example of her for such flimsy reasons smacks of abuse of power.
JOE PARLATO
Twentynine Palms
* Good grief! The city attorney wants to send Ferdin to jail for six months, at what cost to the taxpayers? And this is taking place because the city attorney didn’t like the Animal Defense League’s Web page? Shame!
Protests at circuses and rodeos are meant to raise consciousness in consumers, children included, toward the realization that these events unquestionably involve cruelty to animals.
LISA M. EDMONDSON
Los Angeles
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