There is thought, creativity, and intelligence behind the articles in your publication, and we enjoy it weekly. The cover of the Oct. 25-31 Kitsap Week with the photograph of a terrified black cat titled “The good, the bad, and SCARY” — “SCARY” capitalized and in red — is extremely distressing.
I cannot imagine the torment the cat endured, or how many times, until the photographer achieved that shot. The photo and title send a cruel and negative message.
Black cats are the last to be adopted and carry a stigma our society has placed on them that promotes cruelty and fear. Whatever happened to Halloween being depicted by a person in a harmless costume that represents the fun of the holiday as we all remember from childhood? When you had the perfect medium to promote joy, why would you choose animal abuse? Children and some adults will not forget that photo and act out in a negative manner.
I hope that the photo and title were not intended in ill will. Regardless, your message sadly affected many people. As the editor of Kitsap Week, you have the opportunity to make this unfortunate situation right by utililizing your media in the form of a cover and article equally as eye-catching about kindness and compassion toward cats, black cats, and other loved pets.
I’d also suggest that you print the addresses of PAWS of Bremerton and the Kitsap Humane Society and make a donation in the name of the Kitsap Week and ask your readers to do the same.
I saw a note from a reader in this week’s issue about the negativity of your Halloween cover. I also noted that there was no comment by your paper nor an apology.
Do the right thing, Mr. Walker. Turn this lesson into something good.
Maria Luttrell
Silverdale
Editor’s note: The editor, the owner of two black cats, regrets the association of the Kitsap Week cover image with cruelty to animals. On Oct. 25, the Herald posted an online story, “More than 30 black cats need loving homes; adoption fees reduced,” encouraging pet adoption (www.northkitsapherald.com/community/229288331.html). We will consider a similar story for our print edition. Thank you for your concern.
