Letters to the Editors

Care for llamas at fair stands in contrast to recent case of abuse

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 21, 2001

Life can be a study in contrast, similar to art, whose colors can complement or clash, relax or repel after only one glance.

This comparison was clearly thrust upon me one delicious afternoon recently while visiting the Florida State Fair.

Animal lover that I am, most of my time was spent meandering the livestock exhibition area viewing cuddly, lop-eared rabbits, a newborn calf barely able to stand, elegant examples of the equine variety, and squeaky clean cattle perfectly at ease with the ooohs and aaahs of their human admirers.

As I approached the stalls that housed the llamas, a breed that is gaining favor in Florida and particularly here in our area, I could not help but think back on the horrendous act of animal cruelty that was perpetrated a short while ago against these docile and loving animals.

I had the opportunity to speak with a few of the dedicated young people, who worked diligently grooming and pampering their charges, preparing them for their moment before the judge. I was impressed with both their congeniality and readiness to answer any questions pertaining to llamas. Their love for these animals was etched upon their healthy, glowing faces.

During my conversation with one of these youthful enthusiasts, I was taken with what she relayed to me in regard to the criminal act against those to whom she is so caring. She said the llamas whose fate it was to be abused and killed will, most likely, never trust humans again.

She, like all of her friends working beside her, know the true meaning of trust. She is developing this attribute on a daily basis and will use it in every relationship that she will encounter throughout her life.

In contrast to those who chose to abuse, these young, caring llama owners complement our life with the colors of respect, responsibility and love.
-- Norma McCulliss, Palm Harbor

Medication not an excuse for crime

Re: Injured llama returns to shaken home, Feb. 18 story.

Enough is enough with people blaming their medication for making them act the way they did. This was no excuse for committing such a horrible, unspeakable, cruel act on an animal so precious!

For the judge who is handling this case: Lock up the perpetrator and throw away the key! People that do crimes like this have no place in society.

What is next -- a human being?
-- Tammy Maltese, Clearwater

Non-profit helps keep Pinellas clean

Re: Litter is a blemish on Florida's image, Feb. 12 letter.

In response to Mr. Broadhead's and other letters regarding litter and debris along Florida's roads, I have to agree with his comments. However, organizations such as ours have made a serious dent in correcting those problems.

Keep Pinellas County Beautiful Inc. has been working to curb litter and debris problems in the county since 1991 and has been directly involved in the Adopt-A-Mile/Pond Program since 1997. Through its 110 partners from business, civic, fraternal and religious groups and other sectors, the following has been accomplished to date:

1. More than 200 tons of litter/debris have been removed from county roads and waterways. (Imagine if it was still there.)

2. Taxpayers have been saved more than $10-million through these volunteer partner groups' efforts.

3. Cost-effective, since for every $1 received by KPCB, $5.41 in service is provided, which reflects a return of 541 percent on that dollar.

4. KPCB operates independently as a non-profit organization, receiving donations as well as compensation for contract services and is not part of any state or national group. We work within our immediate community.

Mr. Broadhead was contacted and has agreed to join us in our endeavors in helping to keep Pinellas County beautiful and environmentally safe and healthy for future generations.

Some issues citizens should consider before deciding to conduct cleanups are safety, rights of way, liability, hazardous substances, private vs. public property, documenting cleanups and regular schedules.

We cover all of the above issues prior to a group becoming involved, or can assign volunteers to groups in their areas that are already helping.

Anyone interested in helping in our Adopt-A-Mile/Pond Program can contact us at Keep Pinellas County Beautiful, (727) 945-9778.
-- Eric James, chairman, Keep Pinellas County Beautiful Inc.

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