America loses animal advocate with passing of Frank Lautenberg

Jeff Mackey of Norfolk, Virginia
To the editor:
   With the passing of Sen. Frank Lautenberg, America’s animals — and those of us who care about them — have lost a friend and defender.
   In the most recently competed session — the 112th Congress — alone, Sen. Lautenberg came to the defense of egg-laying hens denied even minimal space, voted to limit subsidies for wealthy industrialized factory farms, supported penalties for animal-fighting spectators, opposed legislation to benefit hunters at the expense of wildlife, and sought funding for enforcement of existing animal protection laws.
   His fervent and stirring dedication to helping animals will be greatly missed.
   In memory of Sen. Lautenberg, let us work to keep his respect for animals alive by practicing kindness every day by rebuffing cruelty at our dinner tables, clothing stores, entertainment venues, and wherever else it is found.
   For information about ways to protect animals against suffering, readers can visit www.PETA.org.
Jeff Mackey
Norfolk, Virginia
The writer is a member of the PETA Foundation.