Pets’ Welfare in Owners’ Hands

* Re “Cat Is Lost to Coyote and Bureaucracy,” Dana Parsons’ column of Feb. 18:

My heart goes out to the Kapches for their tragic loss. I can’t believe we have coyotes in Fountain Valley, but we are diminishing the wildlife’s territory rapidly and, knowing that, should make all pet owners keep their pets in a safe, secure environment. Cats are roamers and susceptible to so many potential tragedies: a loud noise making them bolt over fences and then interacting with diseased animals, or being stuck in foul weather, or climbing into a car’s wheel well or engine for protection.

The animal control officers have to be very blessed individuals to be able to see and handle the situations they do every day. I, also, experienced a delayed notification that my pet had been killed by a car. But I was so grateful to finally know what happened. And I didn’t blame anyone but myself. I was just glad I had ID on him. My pets all stay safely indoors now.

The Animal Assistance League of Orange County has a motto: “Their Welfare Is in Our Hands.” This applies to every pet owner. And, I agree, residents should be made aware of predators at large.

GAIL DENNISON

Fountain Valley