Environmentalists and some animal rightists want the practice stopped. Anyone who must travel or live in the vicinity of feed lots, with their associated stench and negative environmental impact, can attest that this is not a desirable alternative way to handle meat production. Also not addressed is the quantity of organic waste generated and dispersed by pet cats and dogs, especially in urban areas. This material presents potential health hazards for both humans and other animals. The issues that must be addressed are not just bringing food producers and animal rightists to a common ground regarding the humane treatment of animals, but the associated environmental impacts of keeping pets as well.
Some municipalities do have limits.
Dr. Serpell's efforts are to be applauded, but there are many complex and interacting issues involved, and it is not clear from the article that some of them have been considered. In closing, I note that I am neither a vegetarian nor do I keep pets. Clifford D. Ferris EE'57 Gr'58 Laramie, Wyo. Pa. She is not. I am referring to the most laudable recent actions of Dr. Joseph Martin, dean of Harvard Medical School, in severely limiting investigators with a financial interest in the outcome of studies, especially clinical trials, from participating in such studies.