Thank you for your article published Aug. 22, “Teen accused of hanging pit bull.” Let’s hope the young man is vigorously prosecuted, and if convicted, given a strict sentencing that includes counseling and a ban on contact with animals, as young people who hurt animals rarely stop there. Psychiatrists, FBI profilers and law enforcement officials have repeatedly documented that when kids are cruel to animals, they are likely to turn that violence against humans in the future. This case is made all the more tragic by the fact that it could have been prevented. If the dog had been relinquished to a shelter, he would have been spared such immense suffering and had a chance at finding a loving, permanent home, or at the very least, a painless, peaceful death. For more information on the link between cruelty to animals and humans, visit www.HelpingAnimals.com. Lindsay Pollard-Post Norfolk, Va.

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