Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

My family has owned a gingerbread cottage overlooking Oak Bluffs harbor for several generations. As a longtime lover of all God’s creatures, I have been upset to learn of the cruelty and horrors wrought by the annual Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament. The biggest sharks killed bring the most money and these are sexually mature and important for reproducing the shark population. They are hooked, bled, suffocated or repeatedly gaffed. The ones who escape may die from stress or injuries. Very painful stuff. The horrific carnage, the gawking, money, greed and gambling are the reasons for this sickening spectacle. Let us teach our children to respect the earth and have compassion. Let’s get rid of this senseless killing. Humanesociety.org is a resource for those who want to help end this thing.

Robin Wilson Westbrook, Raleigh, N.C.