Law enforcement finally treating animal abusers as they deserve; Herbeck's children are victims, too I am very happy to see that Barry Herbeck of Janesville received the maximum sentence of 12 years for what he did to five cats and one puppy that we know of. However, I think many people are missing a telling point. Herbeck is a father. He took the children with him when he went to adopt the animals. His children heard him promise the former owners that the pets would have a good and loving home. Then he took the animals home and tortured them to death. His children were there. What has he done to them? Doesn't anyone realize what kind of horror they have to deal with? Doesn't anyone realize that they are also his victims? Herbeck claims he was doing this to relieve his anger over the abuse done to him as a child. This is hogwash. Counseling helps one deal with these things. Sadism is sadism. Being cruel does not cure pain. Herbeck's attorney, Tod O. Daniel, expressed a wish that such outrage could also be seen when the victims were human. Well, I'm outraged, Mr. Daniel. And the human victims are your client's children. What will be done for them? Jennifer L. Newmark Milwaukee; Judge did the right thing I just want to say, "Hear, hear!" Rock County Circuit Judge Richard Werner did right by society by ignoring the plea and giving the maximum sentence. Children are very affected by cases such as this, as no one gives them the credit for understanding that what was done should not be repeated and that Barry Herbeck should be punished. It's been a long time since we had Lassie teaching children about kindness. Marta Alfred Colorado Springs, Colo.; Less value on human life? It grieves me that our society is so moved to take a day off work in support of a cruelty-to-animals case. How many are moved in our society to represent abused children, abused adults or rape victims? Am I appalled at this inexcusable act of violence against a dog and cats? Of course! But perhaps I am even more grieved that we care so little for human life. Linda Blevins Menomonee Falls; Sentence wasn't deserved I really do think it's a sad state of affairs when a man can get 12 years for killing cats, especially when someone who drives a motor vehicle and gets into an accident and kills someone else gets less time. I'm in no way saying that it was right of Barry Herbeck to kill the cats, but I don't think he deserved the time he got. Murderers and rapists get less time than he got. Becky DeLonay West Allis; Token of justice done I really feel for cats and the others that come to trust humans. The breach of that trust in itself is a vile act, on top of which the animals don't stand a chance at the hand of a human. I think that this man should have been sentenced to pick on someone his own size, inside a locked lion's cage. A token of justice has been done with the 12-year jail sentence. Henry Kaspar Waukesha; Reality check needed Perhaps the editors or a reader can help explain something to me. While I do not condone the cowardly and senseless abuse of animals ("Cat killings bring 12-year prison term," July 7), I am disappointed for us all that this type of behavior is apparently more objectionable for some people than the "legal" extermination of unborn human children. When murder in the name of a woman's "choice" read, convenience is an accepted means of birth control while a sick but relatively harmless individual is vilified for killing cats, I suggest we all need a serious reality check. Save the humans! John Kelly Milwaukee; Stop animal research We must all applaud the courage of Rock County Circuit Judge Richard Werner for sentencing Barry Herbeck to the maximum term for his torture and killing of cats. However, there are others who torture and kill cats with impunity, in the name of science. They are the "researchers" who conduct experiments on cats, dogs, monkeys and other non-human animals. These Herbecks in white coats rely on grants and donations in order to carry out their terrible work. Imagine what it would be like to be strapped down on a table and injected with a deadly virus. It is time to sentence animal research to the maximum term: no more funding. Mark A. Silverman Milwaukee; Keep crime in perspective The judge reacts to public pressure and exacts 12 years' punishment, three times what the prosecution demanded. Not to trivialize the crime, but please keep it in perspective. Does this judge have a consistent record of being tough on more serious criminals such as drunken drivers or drug users and sellers? Or is he a typical liberal judge who blames society and lets off with much easier sentences than 12 years those who have committed more serious crimes? Let's investigate. Please inform your public. Gary Schacht Elkhorn; Comparable crime? The sentence handed down by Judge Richard Werner really makes me wonder what the sentence will be for the next person convicted of vehicular homicide. Anything less than the maximum, especially if done by a repeat drunken driver, will be unacceptable. Douglas M. Riebe Pensacola, Florida