Tyler

By CINDY MALLETTE
Staff Writer

Sheriff J.B. Smith offered a rebuttal to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has asked that jailers feed veggie-only dishes to an alleged cannibal in custody at the Smith County Jail.

On Thursday, PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich faxed a letter to the jail and to the Tyler Morning Telegraph stating that feeding meat to Christopher Lee McCuin, 25, would contribute to further "senseless killings."

"It is up to you to prevent McCuin from contributing to any more suffering and death by placing him on a healthy, humane vegetarian diet," the letter read.

Smith issued a written reply to Friedrich on Friday. In his letter, Smith cited the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which has strict requirements for feeding inmates. He said the Smith County Jail employs a licensed dietician and contracts with a food service provider that works with several other jails in the state.

Smith said the only time an inmate could get something different from the regular meals would be for a medical reason. He also said inmates can choose to eat only the vegetables on their trays and send the meat back.

"At this time, Mr. McCuin has not requested any form of alternate diet," Smith said. "To intentionally alter his meals, due to your request, may be determined as a deliberate indifference regarding his, or any other inmate's, safety and well-being while in our custody."

Smith also responded to Friedrich's claim that feeding meat to McCuin would cause him to become violent. Smith asked Friedrich to provide him with any facts that prove vegetarian meals promote nonviolence in correctional facilities.

"I thought it was a very professional letter," Smith said. "I kind've said 'pfft' in a very nice way."