In reading in my local paper that Mr. Robinson, the sheep herder, now has a criminal record, I was really shocked that the West had deteriorated to that extent. I was born in Pittsburgh in 1920, so I have had a little experience in different cities, states, countries under different customs and laws.

My experience working in Arizona with local people and some ranchers was that the state recognized the need for the ranchers' product and made laws accordingly.

Now, how is Mr Robinson supposed to protect the sheep remaining in his herd? You know he lost 26 percent of his sheep to predators after he had to have his dogs destroyed. Can he hire security guards 24 hours a day to live with the sheep in all kinds of weather?

If the entrepreneurs who who that race would have reconnoitered the area to be used for all possible obstructions and to ensure no intrusions, Mr. Robinson and his sheep could have been moved. They are responsible for this occurrence.

I suppose some people think sheep can be raised profitably in a concrete barn with hot and cold running water and provided purchased alfalfa for fodder. Boy would that raise the price of a lamb chop!

Albert V. Weaver

Newbury Park, Calif.