Editor: We at PETA agree with letter writer Connie Corzilius Spasser that hauling animals around to be used as petting props is cruel. Washington University has no business supporting the animal exploitation business. As evidenced by the substantial number of emails we received, it’s clear many students concur.

To the Editor: As a staff member of Washington University, I would like to express my disappointment and displeasure regarding the “petting zoo” hosted by the Congress of the South 40.

Controversy erupted today when People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and student protesters called for Washington University to remove its offensive bear mascot. Protesters marched around the bear statue (yes, it exists) outside the Athletic Complex, encouraging the school to “bear down,” and voiced their displeasure toward the athletic department.

It’s disappointing that Chancellor Mark Wrighton, who has shared his home with cats and surely understands their kind and gentle nature, would allow Washington University to continue subjecting these sensitive animals to crude and painful medical training drills that do not help trainees learn how to properly intubate babies.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has redoubled its attack on Washington University’s use of cats after a student sent PETA video footage showing a class practicing medical procedures on cats.