This tragic action betrays a larger moral issue of the heartless fracturing of bonds between humans and animals that too easily transfers to human relationships. In a TruthDig.com article “All Forms of Life Are Sacred,” (Jan. 4) Chris Hedges points out that whether we’re talking about pets or animals in industrial cages and slaughterhouses, “The battle for the rights of animals is not only about animals. It is about us. Once we desanctify animals, we desanctify all life.”

Quoting prominent animal-rights philosophers, Hedges asks: “How many of us have grown up with a dog, a cat, a parakeet or a rabbit? Did we love those beings? Did we love them in a different way from the way we ‘loved’ our car or our stereo? Why is that love different? It is different because that is the love of an ‘other,’ whether that is a human person or a nonhuman person. It is love for an other who matters morally. Did we cry when that being died?” I didn’t know these kitties or the people involved; but I love cats, and I cried when I read Rita Fowler’s letter (Herald, Dec. 14).

The moral issue is the callous disregard for the lives and well-being of two beloved animals and their relationships to the humans who loved them. One can only imagine how these kitties also loved and appreciated the care and warmth they received daily. Anyone with cats knows how much they look forward to the daily greeting and sharing of love with those who really care. What a tragic loss for our compassionate Durango community. Jollon owes our community a sincere apology.

Root Routledge

Durango