EDITORIAL : YES ON 6, NO ON 4.

PROPOSITIONS 4 and 6 deal with issues dear to the hearts of many animal lovers. But while we respect their dedication, we only can support one of their initiatives - Proposition 6.

Horse owners sponsoring Proposition 6 have a valid concern - the possibility that unscrupulous buyers surreptitiously might divert horses into the horse-meat market, which primarily is overseas.

What the sponsors want to do is treat horses as ``pet and comfort animals,'' much like dogs and cats. We believe that's the case with most of the horses in this state these days.

Proposition 6 deals with matters that should have been left to the Legislature. Nevertheless, we feel that the assurance it provides caring horse owners outweighs other concerns.

Now for Proposition 4. One of the things that sets Propositions 6 and 4 apart is that the latter deals with wild rather than domesticated animals. That's a big difference.

We acknowledge that there are more humane alternatives to the traps that would be outlawed by Proposition 4. Nevertheless, Proposition 4 goes too far by outlawing procedures that can be useful in eradicating animals that might transmit dangerous diseases, pose a threat to livestock or even prey on endangered species.

We therefore favor leaving these matters in the hands of professionals, who so far have done a pretty good job, with limited funds, of managing wildlife resources in this state.

PROP. 4 AT A GLANCE

Here is a summary of Proposition 4 on the Nov. 3 state general election ballot:

Trapping practices: This initiative prohibits the use of body-gripping traps, including steel-jaw leg-hold traps, for trapping fur-bearing and nongame animals; prohibits the use of certain chemicals to poison animals; and bans commerce in furs from animals caught in illegal traps. It does not affect conventional mouse and rat traps.

The Daily News recommends: No

PROP. 6 AT A GLANCE

Here is a summary of Proposition 6 on the Nov. 3 state general election ballot:

Sale of horse meat: This initiative makes it unlawful for any person to possess, transfer or hold any horse, pony, burro or mule with the intent to kill it, or have it killed, if any part of the animal will be used for human consumption.

The Daily News recommends: Yes

CAPTION(S):

2 Boxes

Box: (1) PROP. 4 AT A GLANCE (See Text)

(2) PROP. 6 AT A GLANCE (See Text)