PETS: Felony needed for abuse

Beautiful Coeur d’Alene with its multi-million-dollar homes and condos, boat slips as far as the eye can see. Superb library, golf course, so much evidence of wealth and comfort.

Then a drive to the end of Ramsey Road and there sits the Kootenai Humane Society, a no-kill shelter keeping animals for years with no hope of adoption. Too old, too big, or both.

Humane euthanasia should be an alternative preferable for the unadoptable pets. Aggressive programs for spay and neuter do not seem to be the choice for the ignorant and uninformed.

The Sandpoint Humane Society is a monument to the kindness of a dedicated group and I am told the generosity of the Coldwater Creek company.

The state of Idaho must have a law making cruelty to animals a felony. The suffering and death of the Athol dog is a case in point. The fines and jail for the miserable excuse for a man who is a danger to society at large is still too lenient.

IRENE BORN

Coeur d’Alene