Maine became a state in 1820. In 1821, we passed the nation’s very first animal protection legislation. The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the oldest animal protection organization, wasn’t founded until 1824.

Back in 1821 and ever since Mainers have demonstrated that they are a moral people. They’re also independent spirits, unafraid to be the first to protect those who need protecting.

Today though, Maine has the notorious distinction of being the very last state to still allow all three practices of bear baiting, hounding, and trapping.

A “Yes” vote on Question 1 on this year’s November ballot will prohibit these cruel and unsporting practices. There are, of course, other cruelties that exist in the world but this effort is dedicated solely to ending these three specific brands of cruelty to our bears, nothing more.

A “Yes” vote will serve only to help protect Maine’s bears from incredibly cruel and totally unsportsmanlike practices and nothing more. Then, Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting closes up shop — the end. I believe the majority of Mainers do not approve of cruelty in any form.

There are others in the state who may or may not take up the fight to end other instances of cruelty and injustice.

The “slippery slope” argument used by Mr. Fogg in his July 8 guest column in the Times-Record is nothing more than a fearmongering tactic. (And, frankly, not surprising given other fear-mongerers’ defense of these cruel and unsporting practices, including the infamously unsportsmanlike and new poster child for cruelty, Ted Nugent.)

Mainers before and after this campaign will have the opportunity and spirit to alleviate cruelty and that does not diminish the legitimacy and importance of this vote.

Carole Hunnewell
Brunswick