Picture with article did not paint right words

It was very hard for me to read your recent article about a local goat breeder without responding with some personal thoughts about both the article and pictures. I find it disturbing that a connection can not be made to what people see, feel and hear when around an animal and what they put into their bodies, because it "tastes good."

People see how animals react to their environment and any changes made to it. They can see how animals interact and care for each other and protect themselves in whatever way they can. People can feel that these animals are real and do react to the cold or to an injury, just like we do. People can hear them making their unique sounds when they are happy or sad and even those frightening sounds when they are scared or injured. Almost all of us have seen, felt or heard this with our own pets. Still, people have a difficult time making a connection to other animals than the ones we love: dogs, cats, etc. These are animals who do not gain that same respect that we give to our pets.

In reading this article and looking at the pictures, I was disturbed by one photo more than anything else. The picture of the breeder scratching the chin of a goat disturbed me. This looked to be a wonderful picture capturing a heartfelt moment, but if one makes the connection, it is disturbing that there was a smile on the breeder's face and an attempt to comfort and show care for this goat. It is obvious that this breeder cares for her animals and has even named them, but it does not make sense to show care and affection toward an animal when the sole purpose for this animal is to breed others to be slaughtered for profit. Why is it OK to care for some and not all? It is like the traditional turkey given to the president for Thanksgiving. That turkey survives because people see it, make the connection and feel bad about it being killed. What about all of the other turkeys that no one sees?

If an article is to be written about this, I feel it is important that the pictures show the reality of the slaughterhouse and not a farm setting. In doing so, people will be able to make a better connection to what is really happening to these animals. If you can make a connection after reading this, there is a lot of support for you out there to live a cruelty-free life. If this letter frustrated you or did not change your views at all, thank you for taking the time to read it.

Patrick Hartmann

Allentown