Dear Editor:I normally find the articles in your newspaper light reading with an occasional familiar face, and some politics tossed in here and there. However, last week's article about the horse found dumped in a gutter on Gardendale Street made me very sad and sick to my stomach. I kept asking myself, "What kind of person would do something like this?" But then I realized this would be the same kind of person who would toss a live baby into a Dumpster like trash. I wouldn't do these things, nor would most people. But this person(s) that did this is not like most people. Maybe they are mentally ill or lack the ability to nurture and care for something lesser than themselves. In such case they should not have animals, or children for that matter. How hard is it to do the right thing when a life is at stake? There are so many options when someone is unable to care for an animal. Someone would have taken this horse. Even if the owner could not find someone that wanted this horse, they could have taken it to SEAACA or any number of animal rescue organizations. I really hope they are able to find out who did this and prosecute them. -- Patricia Waters, Downey

Dear Editor: Was there an alternative to euthanizing the emaciated horse? If the horse could eat some food, could it also have been nurtured back to health? The community of Downey needs to know if there are places where neglected and ill animals can be taken for extended care. One veterinarian's euthanasia recommendation may not represent other views and experiences. There are many animal welfare groups who may have alternative suggestions. I suggest that local officials and SEAACA officers look into this subject. There may have been a more caring approach to keeping the horse alive. -- John S. Jensen, Downey

********** Published: August 5, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 16