Doggone mad

Regarding the Sept. 25 article "Dogs gone, owner upset over decision," the first paragraph only deemed significant the fact that Sandy Espinoza wanted her 13 dogs back from the Agoura Animal Shelter to take them to Missouri.

The fact that a judge determined that these dogs were justifiably seized for "health and safety reasons" doesn't appear to be relevant in this article until the sixth paragraph.

If the Acorn truly desired to report an unbiased story, this information should have been included in the first paragraph.

I'm a volunteer at the Agoura Animal Shelter and was there when these dogs came in. The stench was overpowering from dried feces and urine soaked coats. Espinoza stated there were grooming fees of $1,300.

Nancy Needham, the Acorn reporter, didn't question this statement further.

The reality is the Agoura Animal Shelter, for the wellbeing of Espinoza's animals, assessed all 13 dogs upon intake as it was for their health and safety, as well as the other dogs currently at the shelter, that they were hygienically evaluated and treated.

Espinoza stated she's a certified dog trainer who has a job waiting to train search and rescue dogs in Missouri.

The article not only didn't state what her certification was in or with what association she was affiliated, but also didn't state who she'll be working for in Missouri, nor indicated if the Acorn spoke to anyone who confirmed Espinoza's job claim.

Your story reported Espinoza didn't believe having 13 dogs is illegal on a "temporary" basis, not mentioning that it's illegal to have any more than three dogs.

Finally Espinoza stated, "They say they don't have enough room for all the animals they have at the pound." Somebody should have asked, "Just who are they?"

To reiterate, a judge, not the Agoura Animal Shelter, deemed these animals justifiably seized.

Space isn't the issue when an animal's well being is at stake. Jan Owen Westlake Village

Editor's note: When the Acorn called, nobody at the animal shelter would answer the reporter's inquiries about the condition of the dogs.