LTE: Animals Caught in Disconnect

The following letter to the editor was published in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle October 8th:

Relay for Life sponsors “delicious chicken BBQ.” Another Chance Pet Rescue hosts a “Chicken BBQ Fundraiser.” The list of groups and organizations that support “life” and “rescue” for both humans and animals, yet deny the right to life to other sentient beings such as chickens, cows, pigs, deer, etc., is nearly endless.

This disconnection is not lost on people who care about all living things. The bumper sticker “If you love animals called pets, why do you eat animals called dinner?” comes immediately to mind. We forget that all animals experience pain and yet have a desire to live lives free from harm. We should think critically about our contradictions, question our actions, and work honestly to change those choices that do not fit with the causes we support.

I encourage rescue organizations and “life-supporting” groups to reconsider the support and promotion of such animal killing events.

JOEL HELFRICH
ROCHESTER