The Sun
Editor,

Once again an animal pays the ultimate price because of human interference and dominance. Adding further insult to this tragedy, the SPCA, proclaiming itself to be "dedicated to protecting and enhancing the quality of life" now says that it "was prepared to destroy the animals if the pens weren't improved to make them safe." Something's terribly wrong if this is considered to be "speaking" on animals' behalf.

Gangus was betrayed, a victim of our system, of our society, and of "human nature." Now he's dead, killed, not protected.

Carmina Gooch
North Vancouver

Vancouver Sun
Editor,

Our relationship with the other animals of this planet is appalling. Here it is, the 21st century, and we are still acting like barbarians. Now the SPCA, an agency whose job it is to speak for and to protect our animals admits that they were prepared to destroy the tigers if conditions weren't improved. Never mind that the incident hadn't even yet occurred.

The casualness and subsequent decision to kill Gangus demonstrated a total lack of respect not only for his life, but for all the endangered tigers.

Terry Roberge
North Vancouver

Editor, The Sun

The increased market for exotic/wild animals will most likely result in more tragedies if the provincial government doesn't take a leadership role, as promised. Wild animals, like these big cats, do not belong in captivity. They are wild. Taken from a natural environment and penned in tiny enclosures is downright cruel.

Regarded as novelty items, exploited as entertainment or for financial gain, and deprived of freedom, is against all that's right. Mr. Carlton was on the radar, yet once again we have the blame game, and by all accounts, a preventable double tragedy.

Animal welfare matters, so does public safety, and wherein there's power, there lies responsibility, so rather than excuses by the SPCA and all levels of government, how about some action so we don't have a repeat of this situation?

Carmina Gooch
North Vancouver