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Editor:
There are a few corrections and explanations I would like to point out in Alicia A. Caldwell's article, "Disabled student retires service dog after it's allegedly attacked," Oct. 10). In both the photograph cutline and the story, I am quoted as saying I would like to see all dogs other than service dogs banned from campus. This is not correct. I stated that I would not like to see the UA go the route of so many other campuses in banning all dogs other than service dogs from campus. My complaint has been for the lack of enforcement of the leash law on campus, not a complaint against responsible dog owners walking their dogs on campus. Being responsible means you will obey the leash law and will pick up after your pet.
Another mistake is the reported date of the court case. If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of the police report, #V96006481, they will see that the court date is 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 15, not Oct. 23.
One thing that needs clarification is the number of calls reported. Though the UAPD records all calls as they come in, not all calls are added to permanent record and kept indefinitely. I called five times, but only twice did an officer respond. Only those two times was my call put into permanent record.
Also, the information reported in the story was attributed to a Lt. Brian A. Seastone. Wouldn't it make more sense to go to the source, i.e. Pima Animal Control, for information on Pima Animal Control? When I was interviewed by Caldwell, I told her I had spoken to a Sgt. John Moore of the Pima County Animal Control Center who informed me that they will not respond to calls at the UA unless an officer with the UAPD is present.
I hope this letter helps students to understand the problem that is caused by irresponsible pet owners. Other students with service dogs have also had altercations with loose dogs. Unfortunately, those students who are blind can't identify the dogs and so they have received no response to complaints.
Joy Van Veen
animal sciences junior
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