Consider effect of remarks

While we understand the logic behind 3rd District Judge Stephen Henriod's decision to sentence a Herriman woman to jail for continuing to harbor seven dogs in her home, the Humane Society of Utah nevertheless is dismayed by the judge's comments that the woman "should have taken a gun and shot the other five."

The Humane Society has been trying for years to get stronger animal-cruelty laws passed in Utah. When a respected member of the community makes a callous statement like this, it unfortunately reinforces the idea that shooting unwanted animals is acceptable.

It is to be hoped that, in the future, persons in positions of influence will consider the negative ramifications that insensitive remarks have on a large segment of this community.

Gene Baierschmidt

Executive Director

Humane Society of Utah