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full name, address, and daytime telephone number. We edit all
letters for libel, length, and clarity. Send letters to Letters, Illinois Times, P.O.
Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705; fax 217-753-3958; e-mail
editor@illinoistimes.com. AVOID BREED-SPECIFIC LEGISLATION A terrible tragedy occurred with the attacks
on little Brandy, Carla Covington, and Blackie the Kitty [see Bruce
Rushton, “A dog’s life,” Feb. 2]. Unfortunately,
with breed-specific legislation spreading like wildfire throughout
the country, more victims will arise. In Denver right now, family
pets are being confiscated for crimes that were committed by
individuals who should never have owned an animal. When does it
become a serious offense to torture and abuse an animal? Are we
going to wait until we have only one dog breed left to make
changes? Let’s make those changes now by
creating programs to teach responsible pet ownership, by
confiscating animals when they are not taken care of properly or
used in a crime (misdemeanor or felony), and by requiring the
mandatory spaying and neutering of all nonpurebred dogs. If a person cannot take
care of their animal responsibly, they cannot have animals. We need
to step up and start enforcing the laws that are already on the
books instead of making more laws that are counterproductive. Ban
the deed, not the breed! Megan McCormick Springfield WE’RE NOT IN HIGH SCHOOL The city of Springfield is too small for a
smoking ban. The city has taken away yet another right and freedom of taxpayers
[see R.L. Nave, “Closure,” Jan. 19]. Last I checked, this
is America! Cigarettes are not illegal, yet they are going to send
police officers out to ticket those in violation. I am an adult, Bruce
Strom. I have the right to vote. I have the right to go to a smoking or
nonsmoking establishment. The City Council needs to grow up. This is
not high school any more. I have been reading all of the letters on the
smoking ban and have a question for the nonsmokers: Are you going
to replace the loyal smoking customers of locally owned businesses
like the Crawdad Hole, Mother’s Tavern, Mac’s Lounge,
and the Hi De Ho Tavern — or did you even know these
establishments exist? I will watch sadly as some businesses have to
close their doors. Just remember, City Council members, smokers are
taxpayers. LaDonna McClanahan Springfield WHO IS FEEDING THOSE DARN BIRDS? I park downtown four to six nights a week.
There is a large quantity of birds that seem overfed. It is winter:
Where is that food coming from? Whoever is feeding them should also
clean my car. There are areas downtown where the sidewalks are
mottled white. If we want people to visit downtown merchants, it is
best to not discourage them. Returning to your car and finding that
Tweety has given you a new camo paint job probably does not help. I
don’t know what can help, but something would be nice. The
ill-health possibilities are just an added bonus. Patrick Johnopolos Springfield
This article appears in Feb 9-15, 2006.
