Letter: Community got behind effort to save bears

Friday, March 31, 2000 | 9:46 a.m.

A week ago I was proud to be part of a cohesive team effort to transfer two neglected grizzly bears to their new home of 14,000 square feet in Galt, Calif.

I feel public thank-you's are due to: Gov. Kenny Guinn, for allowing the bears to stay in Nevada until well enough to move, to Mayor Jim Gibson of Henderson for "bending the rules," to George Knapp for his TV expose and tenacity, Betty Honn Animal Adoptions for their compassion and rescue efforts, and the Performing Animal Welfare Society in Galt for being willing and able to provide these bears with a permanent home and medical care for the rest of their lives.

Last but not least, our community of volunteers that worked tirelessly to build a cage that freed the bears from the horse trailer that was their prison.

I'm proud of our community for coming together and making possible a rescue story with a happy ending. With so much apathy in our society, this joint effort renews my faith in people that won't soon be forgotten.

The plight of these bears is only the tip of the iceberg for the animal suffering that goes on daily. The next time you see a horse trailer going down the highway don't assume its cargo is horses. For many exotic animals it's the only "home" they'll ever know.

LINDA FASO