Horse, Cat Licensing Would Help All Pets

Your June 1 report on financial problems for the Ventura County Animal Regulation Department is cause for deep concern to all who care for the welfare of animals. There are two ways to at least partially solve the problems.

Department figures indicate that as many cats as dogs are handled at the shelter--and as much time, energy, professional expertise and funds are expended on their care. Yet cat owners pay nothing for this wonderful safeguard service. If cat licensing were mandated, funds available would immediately double, and the illogical reasoning that only dog owners should be burdened with the cost of helping all needy pets and wildlife would not continue. It would also make illegal some of the horror situations of multiple cat collections, which create abuse.

And equines? Most of us who love and own them would be more than happy to pay our share for the privilege--and the knowledge that, in dire emergencies, the Animal Regulation Department is there to help. My own two rescued burros would be first in line to get licensed.

Before any drastic financial cuts are even considered, surely there should be an overhaul of licensing laws, which are inefficient, unfair and not always humane.

ELISABETH ARVIN

Ojai