Editor:

Thank you for your illuminating cover story "Beasts and Children" (March 14) regarding "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" (PETA). While I firmly agree that treating animals and our other fellow life forms with respect, dignity and compassion is our moral duty as a (supposedly) intelligent species, I have nothing but contempt for PETA. 

The cover story by Jim Gorant in the Dec. 29, 2008, issue of Sports Illustrated details the saga of the Michael Vick dogs and what happened to them in the aftermath of his trial. To make a long story short (Gorant's story is available online and well worth the read), PETA, along with the Humane Society of the U.S., advocated for the dogs to be euthanized. Thankfully, other more compassionate and wiser organizations prevailed. This was, in fact, the first time that fighting dogs had been considered "victims" by the court, rather than merely "evidence" to be destroyed after the trial. Of the 51 dogs seized, 47 were saved and only one was euthanized for being too violent. After rehabilitation work and training, most are now living in homes. A few have gone on to become therapy dogs and at least one is a dog agility champion.

 ... All no thanks to PETA.

 As your story recommended, I too believe it is best for people concerned with animal welfare to donate to the many quality local animal rescues in our area. I prefer to use my hard-earned dollars to support groups that actually work to help animals rather than taking the easy way out by euthanizing them and then spending money on fancy advertisements. PETA, in my humble opinion, is morally bankrupt, and I would not be sad to see them fiscally bankrupt as well.

Matthew Lang, Eureka