Portland International Airport is planning to use llamas to distract harried travelers from holiday chaos. Air travelers need their planes to be on time and their luggage to arrive in one piece. They don’t need emotional support from animals who aren’t at the airport by choice.

Llamas are social animals who live with extended families and friends. They are curious and intelligent, and learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. These personable animals belong in grassy fields, not on crowded concourses.

It’s time to move past the speciesist idea that animals are here for our purposes instead of their own. Airports can offer travelers music, massage chairs and quality service. Leave the animals out of it.

JENNIFER O’CONNOR

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation

Norfolk, Virginia