To the editor:

I would like to commend the 9-year-old boy, Solomon Cottrell, for his letter regarding the caged dog. It is important for us as humans to speak up for animals who are being mistreated. Kansas recently passed a law making animal cruelty a felony. Animal cruelty not only includes purposely abusing or physically harming an animal, but also failing to provide for basic needs such as food, water, shelter and opportunity for exercise. It is disheartening that every day there are animals that are confined in cages without human contact by owners who are either too selfish or too busy to care. As we enter the heat of summer, it is especially important to be aware that animals cannot be left outside as long as other times of the year. Thank you, Solomon, for speaking up for this dog. I hope that when others encounter a similar situation they will speak up as well.

Michelle Andrews,

Lawrence