In light of the numerous reports of missing or abducted dogs in Woodstock, Sumner, West Paris and Hartford, I urge people to protect their animals by never allowing them outdoors unattended (“Stolen dogs, gunfire raise suspicion of dogfighting ring,” Sept. 2).

Dogs and cats that are left outdoors are easy targets for cruel people. Most of the 400-plus cruelty cases PETA receives weekly involve animals that were victimized while outside unsupervised. Every day, countless animals are poisoned, shot at, used as bait for dogfighting, stolen for experimentation, and worse, after being left outside alone for “just a few minutes.”

I hope that whomever is responsible is quickly apprehended and vigorously prosecuted. Animal abusers are cowards who victimize the defenseless — and their targets often include members of their own species.

I encourage people to keep animals indoors and allow them outdoors only on a leash or in a fenced yard, under constant supervision. Anything else is irresponsible and invites tragedy.

Martin Mersereau, Norfolk, Va.

Director, Emergency Response Team

Cruelty Investigations Department

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals