Laura El Katiri's opinion article How we treat animals reflects our society (October 12) raised some good points. However, I was astonished to learn that it's illegal to feed suffering strays but legal to poison them.
Please at least say that this is being talked about at high levels and changes are in motion in light of this horrific act.
In contrast, the strays in Istanbul are clean, friendly and an integral part of their neighbourhoods, watched over and loved by shopkeepers and residents, and even brought in by the military in winter and given medical care.
A carpet trader near our hotel let a stray cat deliver her kittens inside his store and allowed them to stay there until winter was over. It was incredible to see their hearts for the least fortunate.
I’ve never forgotten it. Turkey is most admirable country in terms of compassion and good hearts when it comes to strays that I’ve ever encountered.
Its example should be emulated worldwide as strays are a universal concern.
Christie King Eckardt, Abu Dhabi
To respect all living creatures is the utmost responsibility of every individual. However, I fail to understand why we have to associate such incidents with Islam and its teachings.
These incidents have less to do with religion and more with the way these youngsters are raised. To empathise and show affection towards animals speaks a lot about one’s character.
Name withheld by request
A young boy who committed such a horrific act makes one wonder what he would become when he grows up.
Maria Malmivaara, Dubai
A role model of acceptance
The UAE has undoubtedly become a role model of acceptance and tolerance (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid launches award and institute for tolerance, October 9).
It has beautifully demonstrated how people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds can live together in peace and harmony, putting their differences aside.
Introducing a global award to promote and recognise tolerance is a great initiative that will benefit everybody.
Name withheld by request
Chess boycott is a personal issue
With regard to the story Dress code no reason for world chess boycott, say Iranian players (October 12), I understand the reason for Nazi Paikidze-Barnes not to participate in the women's chess championship and that's her decision. But I don't understand why she is calling for a boycott of the whole event to be hosted in Iran, even if others are willing to compete wearing the hijab.
Linda Abu Ghattas Gomez, Abu Dhabi
That’s her right and conscience, but I don’t see how this helps chess, or women in chess.
Kevin Martin, Abu Dhabi
The chess players said that this “campaign against the tournament doesn’t help Iranian women”. What, exactly, do they need help with?
Name withheld by request
Adorable holiday greeting cards
Your story Made in Dubai: stationery label Bumble & Mouse's greeting cards celebrate UAE culture (October 8) made for great weekend reading.
I’ve seen these greeting cards with commonly used Arabic phrases mentioned on them at some leading stationery stores in Dubai. They are adorable and beautifully depict the Emirati culture. I instantly fell in love with them.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah