Humans outrank animals

In the letter titled “Animal care ignored” (Jan. 30), Lacie Graf Hansen expressed her anger and disgust toward the city of Spokane due to the rejection of a tax that would “expand animal protection.” She also questioned why animal rights issues do not get as much attention from councilmen and women as other issues.

I believe that Hansen would know the answers to her own questions if she took a look at the current economy. Times are tough for everyone, not just animals. The field of education, for example, has been greatly affected by increases in tuition. As a student, I have felt these effects firsthand.

While I agree with Hansen’s emotional plea for animal rights (I currently have four pets and have had several other pets throughout my life), I believe that in this day and age, rights for man or woman’s best friend are just not as important as things like education and health care.

As important as animals are to humans through their services as guide animals and companions, I believe that their rights should come after those of humans.

Azaria C. Podplesky

Cheney