Dear Editor,

Mr. Marsh claims that, because human beings are the dominant species, no one in their right mind would argue that we have the right to kill animals as we see fit [Humans dominating world, March 20 Letters, Langley Advance].

Rather than using our dominance as a species as justification for killing animals, our aptitude for higher intelligence should be viewed as a responsibility to protect and preserve our environment and the other animals that inhabit it.

Mr. Marsh contends that, because the world is such that humankind is busy killing and being killed, we are free to kill animals. I do not disagree that death is natural and may serve a purpose. However, the simple fact that humans do kill does not excuse the occasions in which killing is reckless and unnecessary, as is true of many kinds of animal testing.

As additional reasoning for killing animals, Mr. Marsh claimed that we are free to do whatever we want to do. This type of mindset extends far beyond the realm of animal killing.

The belief that we can individually do whatever we want to do causes us to disregard the effects of our actions, thus collectively leading to current environmental issues, such as extinction of animal and plant species, pollution, and destruction of natural ecosystems.

A good example is the current state of our over-fished oceans. The actions of one may seem insignificant, but as a whole, can have enormous ramifications.

It turns out that, when we neglect or are destructive towards our environment, including the animals that are a part of it, we end up hurting ourselves most of all.

Contrary to Mr. Marsh's beliefs, it is my conviction that human beings are indeed capable of making the earth uninhabitable. We have the technology, the sizable worldwide population, and the hunger for resources that make fully consuming the life-sustaining qualities of our earth not only possible, but probable. This is why it is necessary to choose a responsible mindset.

Acknowledging that we, as humans, have the power to destroy the earth is not maintaining a pessimistic sky-is-falling attitude. Rather, being aware of the consequences of our actions is showing that we care for each other and for the future, and demonstrates a conscious and concerned attitude.

When you endorse killing animals, you affect not just the animal kingdom, but us dominant species, as well.

Adriana Giesbrecht, Surrey