To the editor:

Diving horse and mule acts are a thing of the past, and should not make a comeback any more than bear baiting or dog fighting should come to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk. Diving acts put the horses in danger and subject the animals to inhumane and potentially abusive situations in the course of their training, transport and performance.

Horses are sensitive and easily frightened animals. When forced to perform in diving acts, they can exhibit behaviors indicative of stress and trauma such as hesitating repeatedly before sliding off the platform, climbing out of the water visibly disoriented and stumbling as they walk afterwards. That's the wrong kind of message to send to Boardwalk visitors.

Donald Trump recognized the animal welfare concerns and consequent unpopularity of the attraction when it was briefly revived in 1993 and he asked for it to be shut down.

The Humane Society of the United States vehemently opposes the reintroduction of a diving horse act in Atlantic City this summer. We implore the Steel Pier not to revitalize the Boardwalk at the expense of an American icon.

Kathleen Schatzmann

New Jersey State Director

Humane Society of the United States