THE CRUELTY QUESTION

True, the trainers interviewed were handsome, sweet, intelligent and seemingly humane. You chose them well. But the article implied that all trainers are like that. I happen to know that circus animals don’t jump through fiery hoops just for a biscuit. Animals have been turned into fake people, doing things that are unnatural for them--for our hilarity and derision--for centuries, and they continue to be coerced into these activities. It’s nice to think that some trainers use painless methods, but this blanket whitewash won’t play.

RACHEL ROSENTHAL

Los Angeles