To the Editor:The Bee ["Lawsuit Filed Over Dog Bites," 8/4/17] states that "after the dog walk…the dog entered an open cage…" and that was where she was bitten. I have been a volunteer at the Animal Control Center for several years, and have walked many, many dogs. There are very strict rules about anyone except staff entering runs, or even the entrance to the run areas. Volunteers wait for staff in the lobby. Sometimes they're busy - that's the nature of a rescue center. So there may be a wait. But it sounds like Ms Devito was in the dog's cage. It's not clear why she was in or even near a cage. If she had trained with Canine Advocates (as I did), and followed the rules well established by the staff, perhaps this would not have happened.

It's tragic that Joelle DeVito was bitten and experienced injuries at the Newtown Animal Control Center. But the article in

I am sorry that Ms DeVito suffered, but her lawsuit punishes the entire staff and volunteers of The Animal Control Center, Canine Advocates, and the Town of Newtown. Both the Animal Center and Canine Advocates have rescued thousands of animals. They are good people who do good work. The Town of Newtown has a wonderful facility - one of the best.

This lawsuit punishes people who are at the front lines of animal rescue, and ultimately punishes the animals that benefit from volunteer help. Lawsuits like this make it harder and harder for animals in need to receive aid. I just don't see the fairness in that.

Cindy Joyce

106 Lakeview Terrace, Sandy Hook        August 14, 2017