Fear’s consequences

What kind of frightful world is being conceived by this disgraceful suggestion, “If you see a wild animal, get in the house, haul your animals in, and call the police or animal control officer”?

This fear-inspiring statement was made by Bangor’s animal control officer, Pat Pinkham, in Roxanne Moore Saucier’s article on rabies (BDN, Feb. 5).

I am appalled by the shameless use of such an obvious fear tactic, even though it was offered presumably to protect all of us dimwitted people from acquiring rabies. What kind of news article teaches the public to be afraid of wild animals and to run and hide in the house?

Pinkham says she wants the public to call her or the police at the mere sight of a wild animal. Though this might help secure her job, I doubt if many police will be thrilled with this news.

In any case, this is not news, it’s propaganda. It does not inform, it instills fear. Pam Clemons Hermon