August 4, 2008

PLEASE allow me to respond to the "outspoken" Dee Charles in your article "It's time to rein in the horses." (Mid-Ocean News, August 1).

No one, and I do mean no one, who cares even the slightest for animals would walk their dog between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the heart of the Bermuda summer, let alone "work" them during those same hours and in Hamilton, no less! Oh, and as to Ms Charles' seemingly unabashed pride that her horses came from the Amish, she no doubt is aware that the Amish are well established in the cruel and miserable business of puppy mills.

It's long overdue to shut down the horse and carriage business during the hot summer months throughout Bermuda. Why not have it available during the cooler months and in the more picturesque and serene areas? Virtually nothing in Bermuda is as it used to be . . . just look at Front Street; yet, one thing hasn't changed, and that's the kindness and compassion of Bermudians. For the sake of the horses, please end the cruelty of summer carriage rides in Bermuda.

MARIA WHITTLE, St. George's