Patenting Animals

I question the decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to allow the animals created through biotechnology to be patented ((Ethics, May 4)). We have destroyed the environment and are now creating new organisms that can exist in the conditions we have made. How long can this disregard for nature continue before our actions backfire? Have we the wisdom to understand the consequences?

Dinah Marder

Albuquerque

All living things have the same source. It is arrogant of man to impose his cruelty on creatures who have never harmed him and are powerless to defend themselves against him. Ethics demands of humankind reverence for all life.

Kay Acker

Orlando