Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 19, 1995 TAG: 9501190105
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY REED
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
R.L., Radford
A: Many people instinctively defend the defenseless.
Dogs fit into that category, especially if they're tied up with their mouth taped shut so a fighting dog can attack them - which happened to Duke the Dalmatian.
We human beings are more likely to be regarded as able to take care of ourselves. We're desensitized by violence in the media, whether it's entertainment or real life.
People still react strongly, though, particularly when children are involved or a baby is abandoned.
When Susan Smith confessed to drowning her sons in a South Carolina lake, the nation was shocked and crowds turned out to see her taken to jail.
Outraged bystanders voiced similar comments in both the Duke and Susan Smith cases. People fantasized that the perpetrators should meet the same fate as their victims.
Those remarks were made in anger. Few people could carry them out. Anyone who has compassion for animals usually has it for people, too.
Conversely, there is a parallel between abuse of animals and humans.
The American Humane Association, which has divisions to protect both animals and children, notes than some of the most horrid crimes are committed by people who first abused animals.
Jeffrey Dahmer, the association points out, impaled frogs and cats in his back yard before he went on to mutilate adult victims.
In New York state two years ago, a boy, 13, strangled a 4-year-old child. A year earlier, he had strangled a neighbor's cat, but no one paid much attention.
Abuse of animals shows up in the backgrounds of many people in prison for murder or rape. These people often were abused as children.
The American Humane Association pictures animal abuse as part of the cycle of violence: adults hurt children, who in turn hurt defenseless animals and other people.
This cycle starts at home most of the time.
Duckpin bowling
Q: There was an old bowling alley on Luck Avenue, a duckpin alley with balls half the size and no holes, near the Texas Tavern. What was its name, and are there any other duckpin bowling alleys in Virginia?|
A: It was called Luck Lanes, at 115 Luck Ave.
The place closed in 1972, and two years later the site became a parking lot, which it still is.
A duckpin alley still operates in Richmond at Southside Plaza. Most of the bowlers are middle-age or up; Generation X hasn't checked in.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.
by CNB