Cruelty to animals shows mental state

Regarding Ryan Grafft, accused of shooting horses from inside his truck on Jan. 27: I hope Grafft will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

At the very least (if found guilty in court), he should never be allowed to own a gun again. He should be held responsible for all of the veterinary bills that have been, or will be incurred, by the horses' owners. Plus, he should have to pay for the full value of the horse he killed, along with compensation for the pain and suffering by the family who loved that horse.

The man in Alabama who allegedly killed the school bus driver, and held the 5-year-old child hostage, also beat his neighbor's dog to death before he went on this latest rampage. Killing animals is a good indication of the mental health of the individual in question. Mandatory psychological testing for Grafft would also be appropriate, and important for the safety of our community, humans and animals.

Carole S. Gauger

Cedar Rapids