Letters to the Editor

Tougher penalties needed for animal abusers

The recent dog fighting ring bust in our community has brought to light, once more, a horrifying and illegal practice that can only be described as animal torture. Under the federal Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, such inhumane treatment of animals is punished with up to 7 years in prison plus fines. However, in Texas, those who torture animals face only 3 years (maximum) incarceration. And not 3 years per victim.

Dogfighting isn’t just a crime against animals — it is a deliberate act of cruelty against the dogs and cats used as bait as well as the dogs abused into fighting. Criminal rings such as these torture thousands of animals to death. We’re also talking about criminal racketeering, creating an incredibly dangerous situation for our entire community.

Research demonstrated animal torture is linked to more severe forms of violence, including sociopathy that can lead to serial killing of humans. This connection underscores how vital it is for Texas to strengthen and enforce laws aimed at keeping convicted animal abusers off the streets.

A comprehensive legal approach can help prevent cruelty before it escalates into other violent crimes, ensuring our community remains a safe place for both humans and animals.

It is up to the courts to determine if the current defendants are guilty, but we need to recognize there’s a severe problem with animal torture in Texas and deal with it by enacting more stringent penalties for all the future cases that will arise.

We must stand together to demand our state representatives increase penalties for those convicted of animal torture. It’s past time to ensure that justice is served not just for the animals who have suffered, but for the safety of our state as a whole.

Marsha Graham

Tyler

Harris presidency would be the chaotic one

I read with amusement the opinions of John Foster in the Sept. 20 paper, titled “Another Trump presidency would mean more lies, chaos.”

The Gold Star families invited Mr. Donald Trump to Arlington. They asked for pictures of the former President. What was he to say, no? His remark about cadet Bone Spurs was especially entertaining.

Mr. Foster, did you serve in the military? Why did Biden, Obama or Clinton not serve? Even in peacetime, you can still serve. I am a Vietnam veteran, and no one wanted to go to Vietnam. Did you go to Vietnam, Mr. Foster?

The only thing Mrs. Kamala Harris has said she would do to lower inflation is go after price gouging. What companies are price gouging? The Tyler Morning Telegraph recently went up a dollar. Is the Tyler Paper price gouging?

The Biden-Harris administration has brought chaos and hard times to our nation. I believe the worst thing that can ever happen to our country is for Mrs. Harris to be elected President.

Mr. Foster states Trump would bring chaos to the White House, but the Democrats have brought chaos. If they cannot win an election, they change election laws like they did in 2020. Lots of Democrats are good people. They are just ill-informed.

Do what is best for our nation and that will be what is best for you. Three months ago, no one liked Mrs. Harris; now, because of the media, she is hailed as a savior. Believe me, she caused this mess; she has no clue how to fix anything.

John Birge

Tyler