To the Editor:

Growing up with a dog taught me how smart, loving, and understanding all animals can be, which is why I believe we should do everything in our power to protect them from harm. Governor Christie has a chance to do that now with bill S.998. This bill makes it illegal for large factory farms to keep pigs in gestation crates, tiny cages that keep them from hardly moving at all. Trapped, unable to even turn around, these pigs are treated like products instead of living beings. I believe that no animal should endure the cruelty of gestation crates, and over 90 percent of New Jerseyans agree with me. This is not an issue of carnivores vs. vegetarians or “crazy activists” pushing their agendas; it is one of compassion. Pigs are just as intelligent as dogs, if not more so, and they deserve the same basic consideration that we give our family pets. To do that, all that’s left is for Governor Christie to sign this bill.

Ben Brener

Highland Road