I was disturbed to learn about Rep. Joel Winters’ proposal to repeal the state’s ban on the display and sale of colored chicks, ducklings, goslings or rabbits. As you reported on Oct. 15, the practice is banned in New Hampshire and most states because it can cause harm or death to the animals.

New Hampshire should be strengthening its animal protection laws, not relaxing them. I was motivated to research our state’s laws after I learned about the horrible case of animal cruelty that occurred a few weeks ago in Massachusetts, when a puppy was found in Quincy, abandoned and dying, after being brutally maimed and tortured. In fact, this case has inspired some Massachusetts lawmakers to propose to strengthen their state’s animal protection laws.

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, which analyzes animal protection laws, New Hampshire currently ranks 27th in the nation in legal protection. Our neighboring states already do better. According to the Humane Society of the United States, which uses different criteria, New Hampshrie is tied with Vermont in twelfth place, while Massachusetts is ranked second and Maine fifth.

We can do much better to protect our pets and farm animals!

Mary Lou Soczek

Nashua

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