Legal rights for animals. (Letters From Our Readers).

I support the growing movement for granting animals legal rights ("Rights from Wrongs," cover story, March/ April 2003), and believe it should be an integral part of being "green" If animals are given protection, indirect benefits result. For example, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that protects wild animals also protects their habitat. Without the ESA many wild places such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would be destroyed. Also, by not eating animals, environmentalists reject not only animal flesh, but also the factory farms that pollute the planet more than any other industry.

Allison Pang, Portland, OR

You exercised some courage in offering an article discussing animal rights. I found it very thorough. I am thrilled to see this subject come up in a national magazine, especially an environmental magazine. Few have the chutzpah to deal with the subject; they would rather protect their little niche, whether it's birds, forests, water, whales or elephants.

Len Frenkel, Bethlehem, PA

Thank you so much for Jim Motavalli's comprehensive, well-written article on animal rights. As an activist and vegan, I rarely see such thoughtful and thought-provoking coverage of the issue dearest to me. Having read many articles lately that ridicule and berate my beliefs, it was so welcome to see some positive and fair coverage of the animal rights movement.

MJ Brooks, Ridgeland, MS

While the debate over legal rights for animals will unfold over time, we don't need to wait for laws to be passed to start protecting animals. More than 98 percent of the animals exploited, abused and killed each year in the U.S. are the ones raised for meat, eggs and dairy. By becoming vegetarians, we help the environment, the animals and ourselves.

Sarah Farr, Chevy Chase, MD

I read with great interest your excellent article "Rights from Wrongs" While there is a Universal Declaration of Human Rights, no such international charter exists for non-human animals. All animals, not just humans, are autonomous, sensitive, conscious beings and are vulnerable to harm. The reasons why human beings deserve the right not to be deliberately harmed apply equally to animals. To withhold such respect from animals is arbitrary and unjust.

Max Newton, Coordinator, Uncaged Campaigns, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Giving legal rights to animals? That's got to be the most stupid notion I've ever heard! Are you people nuts? What if a chimp killed a person, would the chimp be arrested for murder? What if a chimp, elephant, whatever, injured another animal? Would it be held responsible for its actions?

"To whom much is given, much is required." Could beasts be counted to honor the laws and rights bestowed onto them? Of course not!

Pedersen, via e-mail