Dear Editor,

Regarding the article "Dog attacks 7-year-old," in the Feb. 11 issue of The Carthage Press, how many more people – and animals – must be mauled by pit bulls before lawmakers enact a pit bull breeding ban? Although these dogs can be loving companions, they are bred to be aggressive and they are abused more than any other breed of dog on the planet.

They are often starved and beaten and chained to metal barrels so that they will become vicious and attack people and other animals. With three to four million animals killed in this country's shelters each year, there is simply no reason to continue breeding more pit bulls – or any other dogs for that matter.

We can all help keep our communities safe by having animals spayed or neutered – reports show that unaltered dogs are three times more likely to bite – and by reporting suspected cruelty to animals. See www.helpinganimals.com

Sincerely,
Heather Moore, Senior Writer
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Norfolk, Va.