On May 29, 315 dogs, 23 horses, 21 rabbits, 14 birds, two chinchillas, one cat, one ferret and one rooster were seized from Thyme and Sage Ranch in Richland County.

They were found living in deplorable conditions. How could this happen? We let this happen. Every person who lives in this country is responsible for this atrocity.

We like to think of ourselves as being humane-minded people, but we sit back and do nothing to help the animals who are helpless and depend on us for their care. We always have an excuse - we don't have time, we don't have money, someone else will change things, etc. What we seem to forget is that we are the "someone else" responsible for bringing about change.

There are ways to help that don't cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. Boycott stores that sell puppies. Write a letter or e-mail your representatives and Gov. Jim Doyle. Urge them to get legislation passed to regulate breeding facilities, rescues and shelters.

Visit www.boneedsafriend.com and write President Barack Obama; urge him to fulfill the promise he made when he took office. Help the ones who have no voice.

Linda Witte, Green Lake