‘Radicals’ and the Animal Services debate

Re “Animal house,” editorial, Dec. 19

Radical animal activists had little to do with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s decision to replace Guerdon H. Stuckey with Ed Boks as the general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services Department. In fact, responsible, law-abiding, humane community leaders have been lobbying since the mayor took office in July for a change in administration.

We are not radical activists, but hardworking volunteers who spend the majority of our free time and most of our disposable income keeping the homeless animals of Los Angeles safe. Calling us “terrorists” is offensive and only serves to underscore the level of ignorance as to the difference between radical animal activists (a small minority) and peaceful animal advocates (the overwhelming majority).

The fact is, many moderate members of the humane community lobbied responsibly. The fact that the mayor’s decision is consistent with the desires of radical animal activists should only put an exclamation point on how badly the change was needed.

SCOTT SORRENTINO

President and Co-Founder

Rescue and Humane Alliance

Los Angeles

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Thanks for your position expressed in your editorial. These tactics by misguided activists are most counterproductive. I speak as an older minority woman from a low-income immigrant background. Over the long haul, whatever these activists gain is more than offset by the long-term damage they inflict.

AKEMI KAYLENG KNIGHT

Los Angeles