Letters: Cruel and kind to man and beast

I was disturbed by the article "Animal cruelty arrest" [News, Dec. 28], and not solely because a dog was abused. Like others, I am upset that an animal was abused, but I am horrified that Newsday hardly mentioned the homeless man who found the dog.

The only reference to this man was that on Christmas Eve, a homeless man was rummaging through the trash and spotted the animal. Twenty-five people were willing to adopt this dog, which requires feeding and housing. Why wasn't there any information on how we can help the homeless man get the same care?

It's Newsday's ethical responsibility to attempt to identify this man and inform readers about how we can help him; I would be willing to assist. After all, the only way 25 people became aware of the dog's needs was through media attention.

Anthony A. Ciaccio, Commack

In regard to the recent attention to animal abuse on Long Island ["Man charged in dog beating," News, Dec. 28] and ["2nd missing dog linked to shelter employee," News, Dec. 29], we need to step up and enforce laws to protect these defenseless animals.

How cruel do you have to be to hurt or beat any animal? I cry many tears for them and for those we don't know about.

Janet Mason, Franklin Square

The dogs and cats at the Islip animal shelter are not the only ones feeling the love of volunteers ["Shelter animals showered with gifts," News, Dec. 20].

At the Town of Hempstead animal shelter, one volunteer has sewn blankets for the dogs there, more than 100 of them, by herself. She has coordinated with other shelter volunteers to make sure each dog gets a treat to enjoy with the new soft blanket.

Dorothea Akhand, Merrick

Editor's note: The writer is a volunteer at the Hempstead animal shelter.