The risks are too high to own exotic animals

Letter to The Sun

Published: Tuesday, May 15, 2007

I am outraged that the B.C. SPCA sanctioned the euthanizing of the Siberian tiger that killed Tania Dumstrey-Soos. Killing the animal is monkey-logic at its worst. If there was ever a cogent illustration of why wild animals should not be kept as pets or for entertainment, this is it. Kim Carlton lost his girlfriend, her children lost their mother and the entire world lost another member of a dwindling species. Worse, this happened in Canada, a country that recognizes the tigers' endangered status and has laws designed to protect them.

It is clear that the law failed Dumstrey-Soos, her family and especially the tiger. It is just as clear that new laws have to be implemented.

Anand R. Mani
Vancouver

Killed for a paw swipe

Letter to The Vancouver Province

Published: Tuesday, May 15, 2007

We condemn China and India for tiger-poaching, and yet this beautiful, young tiger was killed for a paw swipe. Yes, Gangus killed a human, but all tigers are potential killers. That is their nature.

I highly doubt this tiger intended to kill. It was the swipe of a very dangerous paw that killed Tania Dumstrey-Soos. My heart goes out to her children.

Whoever ordered Gangus's euthanasia should be charged.

The provincial government should be taking a leadership role in protecting its citizens from dangerous animals by having regulations in place for their care. These regulations must include adequate space and living provisions for these animals.

There are about 5,000 tigers left in the wild. We do not have the right to destroy any of them. It will not bring Tania Dumstrey-Soos back, and I doubt she would have wanted it.

Lisa Penney
Vancouver