Revise rules to allow for more pets

All petlimit laws are arbitrarily enforced by cities and homeowners associations, primarily due to nuisance complaints (excessive noise or odors due to multiple pets.) The Wear family's predicament of having three dogs when only allowed two by their HOA illustrates how similarly situated pet owners go into hiding to protect their own families and pets rather than publicly support the targeted pet owners.

It is illogical for the Sherwood HOA CC&Rs to state that a family can have two Great Danes and one goldfish but not three small dogs. HOA pet owners could call for a vote to redraft the CC&Rs to allow homeowners to keep pets based on more reasonable criteria, such as size of units and pets, accessible outdoor areas for some pets or types of pets.

Thousand Oaks has a threedog limit; therefore, Los Angeles County Animal Control, which has jurisdiction, should not get involved in the Wear family situation. However, LACAC has overreached its authority in the past when it impounded and eventually killed a dog a few months ago after seizing him from his owners who lawfully quarantined him in their home.

Agoura Hills should repeal its own petlimit laws, allowing residents to keep as many animals as they can responsibly maintain. We already have laws prohibiting excess noise or other nuisances, imposing fines rather than the impoundment of a cherished pet, which could be killed in the Agoura shelter due to lack of space with its perpetual kennelrefurbishing project. The recent termination of experienced volunteers who truly care about the animals is also disturbing.

Last, to avoid additional family heartache as that experienced by the Wears, people should not ever acquire puppies from a breeder who does not test for avoidable genetic defects like hip dysplasia. Rebecca E. Arvizu Agoura Hills