I am a dog lover and ecstatic over the possibility of a law with real consequences for dog owners who let their dogs bark unnecessarily, causing a nuisance to their neighbors.

The owner has the opportunity to quiet their dog whenever it causes them a problem, but their neighbors are at the whim of the decency, or lack of, and courtesy, or lack of, of the dog owner for peace and quiet.

I do agree that the law must contain an ability to verify the complaint so it's fair, but once verified, the dog owner should face the consequences. Violators of current laws have long taken advantage of the weaknesses and lack of teeth in those laws while subjecting their neighbors to a needless nuisance.

The main reason discourteous dog owners don't want to see this law passed is because they don't want to be forced to take responsibility for the proper care of their pet. They don't want to get up and take their dog for a walk at 6 a.m. when it is more convenient for them to toss the dog out back and let it bark to get back in.

They want to be able to use their backyard as a dog care service when they go to work, go shopping or go out. They know their dog barks, but if they can get away with it, they will do it anyway.

I support a person's right to own a dog but I also support my right not to own a dog. That includes all the negative aspects of dog ownership.

I have the right to dictate the environment inside my own home, within reason, not a discourteous neighbor. It is important to remember that owning a dog is a privilege and not a right because there is a licensing process, which means that the law must be followed in order to maintain that privilege. Same as having a driver's license.

It is also better for the animal to get the proper care and affection from its owner rather being left to guard the backyard.

Please support the passage of any law that provides those of us who are victimized by our neighbors a measure of relief but that does have a verification process that makes it fair to everyone involved. Scott Landsman Simi Valley