Keep dogs on a leash

There are many loose dogs walking off the leash near where I live in Morrison Ranch Estates and on main streets in Agoura as well. They can easily be hit by a car.

Prior to moving to Agoura Hills last summer, I lived in Woodland Hills north of Ventura Boulevard and there was a large coyote in my backyard at 10 a.m. Fortunately when I called my dog in she came right away. I contacted the county as well as the city and was told that the best thing to do is make distracting noises such as a can of coins or rocks or an air horn to discourage the animals.

Since living in Agoura Hills by Fountainwood and Kanan roads, I sometimes hear packs of them as early as 5 p.m. I think they are all over and the population is growing. Just two weeks ago I saw that one had been hit by a car on Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Lake Lindero.

It is a difficult situation because most dogs require exercise and enjoy walks, but we have to keep their safety in mind. Coyotes are no longer nocturnal. They are out and about at all times nowadays.

Another concern that I have is that I was attacked by a neighborhood pit bull in Woodland Hills before we moved. The owner opened the front door, and it ran out and went across and down the street where I was walking and attacked me. Not only am I scarred from the attack on my hands but emotionally as well. I am fearful to walk my dog in my current neighborhood.

I think it is the owners' responsibility to train their dogs as well as walk them on a leash. It is a city and county law I believe.

There are off-leash parks for those who want that, and I believe there is a bark park in Calabasas. I don't feel there is a solution or answer to the coyotes, but we do have to be concerned about the safety of our children and animals. Barrie Susan Magidoff Agoura Hills