Wants animal control to take control

I recently read the Camarillo Acorn article, "Pit bull mauls neighbor's dog."

Reading the article rekindled my frustration with our local animal control's ineffectiveness at protecting people and animals from dogs that are not kept properly restrained on their owner's property.

The article reports only one of many incidents which have occurred in Camarillo. Walking a dog should not be a risk to your safety or your dog's safety, especially when your dog is properly leashed.

I have witnessed a leashed dog being attacked by a rottweiler while walking my dog. I ran home and called the emergency animal control number. After over 10 minutes on hold, the attack had ended by the time my call was answered.

My dog has been attacked by another dog on Santa Cruz Way. After talking to neighbors, I've discovered that that their dog has been attacked by the same dog and that they have had to scale a fence to avoid being attacked by the same dog. I did file a report with animal control after my dog was attacked. I've been told by animal control that they themselves have to find the dog in violation of the leash law to enforce the animal code.

Just like in the newspaper story, an attack of another person or animal should be enough justification for animal control to take action.

An attack is not merely a leach law violation. My dog and I have been chased and barked at by dogs on Mission, across from San Clemente while on walks.

A neighbor told me that he has been chased by the dogs. Many people in my neighborhood carry implements to protect themselves from dogs while walking or running.

Instead of experiencing fear and carrying protection on walks, animal control should implement and enforce policies to protect residents and their pets from unprovoked attacks by dogs that are not kept restrained on their property.

Let's work together to create a solution to a significant, underreported problem in our community. Danielle Onstot Camarillo