Re “County seizes emaciated horses at Rancho Santa Fe ranch under scrutiny for years” (Sept. 16): San Diego County Animal Services leadership must be held responsible. The recent controversies — from unnecessary euthanasia in county shelters to delayed enforcement in the Rancho Santa Fe horse neglect case — show that our animal welfare failures are systemic, not isolated.
To begin with, the city and state profit from cruelty — from rodeos at Petco Park to marine exploitation at SeaWorld to horse racing at Del Mar — sending the wrong message about animal welfare. Meanwhile, our shelters are overwhelmed with animals in need of homes.
Instead of reacting after suffering occurs, the county must invest in prevention: expanding spay and neuter programs, enacting stronger limits on breeding and sales, and following the lead of cities like West Hollywood, which recently banned the retail sale of nearly all animals. Most importantly, San Diego must embrace stronger legislation to protect all animals and prevent needless suffering.
— Amit Dhuleshia, Bankers Hill
