To the editor:

In light of the tragic incident involving a tiger that killed Haley Hilderbrand at Lost Creek Animal Sanctuary in Mound Valley, I would like to thank our county commissioners for having the foresight to pass an amendment to the exotic animal ordinance that bans exotic animal acts from coming to Douglas County. It was one more smart measure to ensure our community will not suffer a tragedy like this one.

Many people in the community couldn’t understand why we asked for this amendment. What happened to Haley is exactly why we did. And her tragic death is unfortunately not an isolated event.

No matter how much we try to restrain and confine exotic animals, the fact is they are dangerous, unpredictable and have ingrained instincts that humans can’t always control, even though we’re arrogant enough to think we can. Wild animals are just that, wild. They belong in an environment that is natural to them and not in a place posing as a “sanctuary” and not in circuses and traveling shows where profit is the main concern, and the safety and welfare of the public and animals are always last.

Since it is nearly impossible to train wild animals to be around humans without using significant force to subdue their natural instinct to attack, expecting such animals to perform silly, unnatural stunts for the public’s amusement is asking for trouble. Unfortunately, it’s people like Haley who pay the price.

My heartfelt condolences go out to all of Haley’s family members.

Ann Wilson,

Lawrence