Dogs Banned on Venice Boardwalk

My two dogs and I read “The Bowser Ban” (June 11) with furrowed brows. As we understand it, the L.A. City Council has determined that dogs (most notably pit bulls) are transforming the Venice boardwalk--normally a pristine and safe pathway--into an “intimidating environment” because they are attacking everything from humans to horses to other dogs while accompanying their owners for a stroll down this promenade.

With her head cocked and an expression of puzzlement on her furry face, one of my pit bulls inquired of me, “But doesn’t it seem that the blame has been placed at the wrong end of the leash?” I gave her an extra biscuit for her keen insight.

KATHY WALKER

Santa Barbara

* At a community meeting regarding dogs in Venice on Dec. 11, I asked how many dog bites and attacks there were in Venice, in the city and in the county, and was told that no one kept records on those occurrences. LAPD, Animal Control, Lifeguard Services, Parks and Recreation and representatives of Ruth Galanter and Zev Yaroslavsky were all at this meeting.

On June 10, the LAPD represented that there were “about 150 dog bites and attacks in 1997” on the Venice boardwalk. This statistic was reported, but what is it based upon?

I don’t mind the limited ban on dogs on the boardwalk. I do mind statistics that don’t have supporting records.

CHRISTOPHER PLOURDE

Venice