Critic was barking up the wrong tree

The letter to the editor by Rebecca Arvizu on Dec. 25, 2008 contained a number of inaccuracies which should be corrected.

First, no dogs froze to death in any county animal shelter. One dog did die in 2007 from pneumonia despite several rounds of antibiotics and treatment in the hope that the animal rescuer who had planned to adopt her would come through and take her as promised. Unfortunately this person did not return in a timely manner (well over a month), and despite all county efforts the dog passed away.

We have changed our policies about timely adoption of animals to ensure this never happens again.

The county maintains that its policies and practices relating to the care of animals are in compliance with state law. The court did not rule on the compliance issues since the parties resolved their differences in mediation. The actions to be taken by the county under the settlement agreement relate to actions required by law, actions already taken by the county and to records readily accessible under the Public Records Act. In short, the agreement does not require the county to do anything it isn't already required to do.

The county of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control makes every effort to find homes for the animals abandoned at its six animal shelters. In particular, the Agoura shelter has a dedicated cadre of volunteers who further assist in providing excellent care to shelter animals until they are placed into new homes.

Thanks to the many caring people who adopt from the Agoura animal shelter, thousands of unwanted pets have found permanent, loving homes. Marcia Mayeda Long Beach

Mayeda is the director of the county of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control