Greg Hlatky points out the inane policies of a Tarrytown (TX) shopping center owner. She's a member of PETA, and as the local media reports, she has really gone off the deep end.

A few years ago the shopping center's owner imposed a strict rule -- no meat or animal products can be sold.

Since then, a grocery store, a Chinese restaurant and a Texas French Bread closed. A vision shop and shoe repair stopped selling leather products, a liquor store stopped selling caviar in gift baskets. Nancy Owen, owner of Alegra's Bridal and Invitations, said she was told she could not exterminate her ants. Instead she'd have to relocate them.

The loss of sentimental hot spots is a shame. I've lost my share of favorite bars and restaurants to various reasons. But the enviroweenie that owns the shopping center is completely within her right to refuse lease renewals. As long as it's her money she's throwing away, what do I care? Besides, that's less resources she'll have to fire bomb and SUV dealership.