Letters to the Editor

Foolish mistake

If President Joe Biden forces Israel to “stand alone” without ammunition in its defense against Hamas/Iran, it will be Biden who stands alone. American citizens and all in the world who believe in standing against evil will abandon Biden and his misguided policies.

The fight against evil aggression, murder and deceit has never been clearer or right.

Personally I am embarrassed by our president and his betrayal of America’s loyal ally. Thankfully many millions feel exactly as I do.

If the U.S. government won’t defend freedom and justice in Israel, we have little chance of doing so in our United States. Biden’s threat against Israel cannot and will not stand as Americans realize the enormity and price of this foolish mistake.

Harry Bergman

Tyler

Stop the inhumanity

A short story: In March of last year, a local law enforcement officer purchased a seemingly health, adorable puppy for his fiancée from a Tyler retail pet store. Within hours of coming home, the puppy began vomiting and became lethargic. Despite 4 days of emergency hospitalization and extensive lifesaving efforts by the veterinarian, their puppy did not survive. For this young couple, purchasing a “retail puppy” was a tragedy which culminated with thousands of dollars in veterinary bills and continued harassment from the retailer seeking payment in full of the $10,000.00 deceased puppy.

A second short story: In January of this year, a Tyler resident purchased a seemingly healthy, adorable puppy from a retail pet store. This young puppy spent his short life in and out of an emergency veterinarian hospital, fighting against pneumonia, a hernia, and even developing a partially collapsed lung. Despite constant medical care, the puppy tragically passed away four months after being purchased by his new family.

These stories are just examples of countless stories just like them. These “retail puppies” are being shipped into Texas by the thousands from overcrowded, inhumane puppy mills. Currently, close to 40 retail pet stores still operate in Texas selling unhealthy animals for thousands of dollars. A quick look at Yelp or Google reviews will confirm the frequency of unknowing consumers being duped by retail pet stores.

18 Texas cities have passed humane pet store ordinances. Tyler has not. The 2023 Texas Legislature passed a law blocking future passage of such an ordinance. We MUST pass a statewide humane pet store law in 2025 requiring retail pet stores to source their puppies and kittens from rescue groups, animal shelters, and reputable breeders. Thus, ensuring Texas consumers are sold healthy animals, and protected from mental anguish, excessive vet bills and unscrupulous finance agreements. Texas can and should improve the lives of our citizens and our pets by promoting transparency, consumer protection, and humane treatment of animals.

Deborah Tittle-Dobbs

Attorney at Law and founder of SPCA East Texas

Tyler