Richmond Flying Squirrels' owner Lou DiBella notes the Squirrels will be more sensitive with animal entertainment after receiving complaints from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals following the use of an alligator as part of the Squirrels' pregame entertainment at a recent home game (“Squirrels' Owner Vows: No More Animal Fights,” Street Talk, June 30).
Even if one accepts the premise (I do not) that the use of the alligator warrants criticism, PETA has no credibility on the issue. DiBella missed a great opportunity to win even more fans by standing up to this hypocritical organization and its members.
Since 1998, PETA has killed more than 23,000 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies and kittens including at its Norfolk headquarters. Its own “animal record” report for 2009, filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shows that PETA killed 97 percent of the dogs and cats in its care during 2009. For all of last year, they found adoptive homes for just eight pets.
During 2005, two employees of PETA were charged with animal cruelty for allegedly picking up dogs and cats from shelters and dumping their dead bodies in the garbage. Police found 18 dead animals in trash bins and 13 more in a van registered to PETA. All dead animals that came from PETA shelters.
This is the group that has the audacity to lecture others about the proper treatment of animals?
Clayton W. Rhoades
Midlothian
