Pet Peeve

I want to state upfront that I love dogs. I have had dogs as part of my family most of my life. We loved them, cared for them, cried when they died. However, we must not put any animal on the same level as a human being. Calling ourselves their “guardians” instead of “owners” puts dogs on the same level as humans.

Elliot M. Katz, a veterinarian and founder of In Defense of Animals, should not compare how a dog is treated with how minorities, the handicapped or children are treated (July 9). There is a vast difference between how we treat an animal and how we treat members of our fellow human family. I would urge the City Council to veto this request.

Sheila Erlanson

Long Beach