Editor:

I enjoyed reading your May/June issue at my vet's. But I was distressed that you printed, without any comment, a report about cloning dogs - complete with cute photo. And it appeared right next to your article supportive of the L.A. spay and neuter law!

With tens of thousands of pets killed in shelters annually, why would the world need new dogs and cats, not bred by adult animals, but manufactured from weird cell parts in bizarre laboratory processes? Why should we countenance pet cloning when such a high percentage of cloning attempts end in sick or abnormal animals?

In spite of public opposition, it appears we will soon see cloned meat. And there's a push for cloned puppies and kittens ("Aww, aren't they cute!"). You can be sure that many biotech advocates are setting us up to accept cloned and genetically modified - human babies. Now's the time to draw some lines!

See the Humane Society's statement on cloning at http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/hsus_statement_on_the_cloning_of_pets.html.

Alexander Gaguine
Santa Cruz, CA

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Hi Lorie,

I just saw The Pet Gazette in our adoption lobby. Great edition and staff/volunteers enjoyed seeing our adoptable animals included!

Lindsay Reynolds,

Outreach Coordinator

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, San Mateo, CA

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Hi,

I would like to know if you know of any shelters that might have Persians for adoption. I recently lost my beloved 14-yr-old Persian named Milano. He was my heart and I'm very heartbroken. I'm not trying to replace him for he was one in a million. The sweetest cat I've ever had. I just want another Persian for they are just a great breed.

Thank you,
Francesco Raffaele Siano

Editor’s Note:

It is estimated that about 25% of the animals in shelters nationwide are purebred. Please make sure to check your local city/county animal care centers and rescue groups for any breed specific animals available for adoption.