to the editor: Mayor Karen Bass finally found a way to eliminate the problem of pet overpopulation in shelters; Animals can simply starve (“Mayor Bass' budget cuts $1.6 million for dog exercise program at L.A. animal shelters,” May 1).
It is cruel to cut the Dogs Playing for Life program and take away an hour when dogs can come out of their cages to stretch their legs and socialize. Halfway through the article, things get worse; Bass proposes eliminating the entire Department of Animal Services budget for food and reducing the budget for medications. He proposes that food be transferred to private donation. What if those donations run out? Well, I guess animals just don't eat.
Even if you are not an avid animal lover, you should know that this proposal is cruel and wrong. Please write to your council member to save the Dogs Playing for Life program and keep food and medicine in the budget. The victims of these atrocious cuts cannot speak. We must be their voice.
Melissa Klaskin, Los Angeles
