Officers need to be trained to detect animal abuse

In response to the letter written by Margie Williams dated June 27, "Reader relates story of animal abuse," I wholeheartedly agree that the Simi Valley Police Department needs to be trained to detect and deal with animal abuse.

I called the police a few months ago to report a neighbor who tormented my dogs and then tried to poison them. I was told by the officer that responded that there was nothing he could do other than talk to the offending neighbor.

I am now forced to stand in my backyard with my dogs while they do their business in order to protect them. It would be nice if the police were able to do more to help.

I'm also very disappointed with the Humane Society's slow response to Ms. Williams' report of animal abuse. I have donated supplies, money and even a car to the Humane Society of Ventura County.

If they solicit funds from people in the East County I would expect them to take reports of abuse in East Ventura County as seriously as reports of abuse in Ojai and West Ventura County.

Jeannine Linder

Simi Valley