Published: August 17, 2003
To the Editor:
Re ''Summer Is a Perilous Time for Classroom Pets'' (news article, Aug. 13):
It's not only the animals who are put in danger when teachers bring critters into the classroom. Nearly all snakes, iguanas, turtles and other reptiles carry salmonella. Bobcats, monkeys and other animals can scratch, bite and injure children.
Teachers can teach students about animals through field trips, videos, guest presentations, playground outings and class projects like protecting urban wildlife habitat.
Create a compassionate classroom culture and leave wildlife in the wild.
President, The Fund for Animals
Silver Spring, Md., Aug. 14, 2003