Acorn canine story went barking up the wrong tree

This letter is a late response to the June 15 article "Canines must wear microchips." First, the title of the article was terribly misleading. The primary purpose of the ordinance amending Section 10 of the Animals of Los Angeles County Code was to address pet overpopulation with mandatory spay/neutering for pups over 4 months.

Mandatory microchipping was a secondary concern to the lawmakers.

Second, the article falsely misrepresents the law with the statement "purebreds registered with recognized breed clubs are exempt from the new law (the spay/neuter requirement)."

Wrong-in fact, Section 10.08.095 states the exemption applies to "competition dogs" and that the dog must show proof of competition (or have) earned a title or the owner is a member of a purebred dog breed club which maintains and enforces a code of ethics for dog breeding that includes restrictions from breeding dogs with genetic defects and life-threatening health problems that commonly threaten the breed.

These clubs of responsible breeders also forbid their members from selling pups wholesale to retail establishments that sell puppies.

Irresponsible breeders such as puppy mills, backyard breeders and negligent owners who breed their pets are responsible for the current homeless pet problem. Their coconspirators are the pet shops that sell puppies and kittens, as well as the loyal customers of such business. Such pet shops must be boycotted by all responsible and conscientious consumers.

You might wait a long time on a waiting list with a responsible breeder, or you might have to travel outside of Agoura Hills to get your kibble and leashes, but you will be assured of a quality pup with excellent bloodlines and you will be helping to put out of business those who shamelessly make money from the homeless pet problem. Rebecca E. Arvizu Agoura Hills