As both an animal lover and a responsible owner of firearms, I am at a loss to fully express my outrage over the actions of two thoughtless teen-agers as described in the Bangor Daily News of Nov. 27. By firing upon a tractor-trailer moving at high speed, and by shooting and killing two domesticated and fenced horses, with a high-powered rifle, the two have demonstrated a depraved indifference for both human and animal life and a complete disregard for the law.

This cannot be overlooked when it comes time for authorities to exact a just punishment. I am dumbfounded as to how the two of them could be turned loose with firearms in the first place, and if they are not stripped forever of their rights not only to hunt, but to even own or possess firearms, I would consider it a miscarriage of justice and a grave insult to the community at large.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Pamela Pelotte, her fiance, Timothy Powers, DVM, and his daughter. Horses are noble, gentle, honest and forthright creatures, and what it must feel like to have such a beloved companion killed in such a brutal manner is beyond my comprehension. I think that I speak for many, gun owners and animal lovers alike, when I call upon the authorities to carry out a swift arrest and resolution to this horrible travesty. Anders Benson Bangor

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I don’t understand our judicial system. No arrest made for the killing of two horses, which is a terrible crime, and even worse, if those caught were the ones shooting at a moving tractor trailer. I agree with Pam Pelotte that digging a hole to bury those horses is a great idea, but not enough. Sixteen-year-olds are old enough to carry a hunting license, but not old enough to have their identity known when a crime is committed. They get a slap on the hand, no television, no computer, no telephone. What good does this do? Paula Spacco Bangor