Apparently, the numbers aren't enough. Once again, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is doing what it does best -- seeking media attention. In its lawsuit against Davis County, PETA claims it needs the names and personal information of the former owners of animals that were sent from shelters to the University of Utah research facility in 2009 because that information is crucial for PETA's ability to publicly debate the issue ("PETA sues over animal shelter records," Tribune , Jan. 14).

Not surprising, since PETA thrives on the right to "urge" people to its way of thinking. Without owners' names, PETA can't contact them with letters of persuasions or any of its other "polite" enlightenment tactics.

Obviously, people who take their animals to a shelter must have confidence that their private contact information will not end up in the hands of anyone else. Without an assurance of privacy, more and more individuals will drop off their pets far from home instead of responsibly taking them to a shelter.

Alicia Williams

West Jordan