Annoyed by Barking Dogs

David Ferrell’s “Barking Meters: Relentless Howling of Pets at Night Pits Neighbor Against Neighbor” (Part B, Aug. 22) could not have been more accurate had he been a victim. On the other hand, he may be writing from experience! Despite a file, thick as two fingers, replete with complaints against my neighbor’s dog, I feel that the Los Angeles County Castaic Animal Care & Control Center, not having much authority other than to issue warnings, has dismissed my case as one of a “crank.” The dog, however, continues barking.

Contact with the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office elicited the comment that such misdemeanors are “lowest priority.” A hearing by the district attorney’s office begged more credibility especially in light of the fact that, in spite of a petition signed by seven neighbors and complaints that ranged over a protracted period, I was requested to further “bear with” the owner of the offending animal until such time as he got his act together. That never happened. The dog still barks.

My question: If departments concerned seem to lack the authority to abate this nuisance, why are they not phased out? Dogs continue to have their day. In these austere times, taxpayers would benefit from such cutbacks or these monies could be used more effectively elsewhere.

PAMELA Q. GARNER, Newhall