Don’t equate PETA with TV villain

Regarding Robert Brennan’s Sept. 17 AngelusNews.com column “Both PETA and Tonia Haddix have it all wrong in ‘Chimp Crazy’ ”: God’s purpose is spelled out in the Bible’s account of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 1) and in the visions of the prophets Isaiah, Amos, Micah, and others. In every instance, God’s ideal is one in which there is no animal exploitation.

Tonia Haddix has purposefully caused, and continues to cause, immeasurable animal suffering.

Tonka, and the other victims rescued from this proven liar, are thriving in their new sanctuary homes. Rather than garnering support, Haddix exemplifies why primates do not belong in private homes.

PETA’s position — that no chimpanzee, monkey, or other wild animal should be kept as a surrogate human child — is the antithesis of the attitude of exotic animal brokers like Haddix.

The Church instructs that humanity’s dominion demands “a religious respect for the integrity of creation.” To deny animals their God-given nature by forcing them to serve as pets or props is to ignore their “particular goodness.” This mindset must end.

— Jennifer O’Connor, PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Virginia