I reside just south of the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. I rent the bottom story of a three-story house where I've lived for three and half years. We're right on the beach.

Friday evening August 26, I let my cat, Arthur, outside as I usually did upon returning home from work. About 10 minutes later a chestnut colored pit bull came into my patio followed by an almost identical dog. The only differences were their collars. Both appeared to have uncropped ears or tails.

These dogs also ran into the next- door neighbor's home. They ran through my yard five times clearly on the hunt with noses to the ground. I called 911 and was referred to the Animal Control number where I was on hold long enough to see the dogs the other four times.

After almost two days of searching, my cat was found by a neighbor when they returned from an out-of- town trip. He was trapped in a side yard and had no where to go. He was just one neighbor away.

The vet confirmed dogs were responsible for his death. These pit bulls were the subject of many calls and at least one other cat death, according to Animal Control and they were never found. They appeared to be in good health and not injured. The only thing that made them stand out was the difference in collars which I noticed immediately.

We have a leash law issue here and dogs-on-beach issue. Let me make it clear, I love dogs, all animals actually. Ownership requires responsibility. Dogs aren't supposed to be on the beach at all with or without a leash - it's a $500 fine.

If you can't sit on your own patio or even inside your own home because of fear of a dog there's something wrong with the system - or the people. Leash laws aren't just about human or other pet safety, they're about the safety of the dog on the leash as well

So my cat, Arthur, is gone. I picked his ashes up today. He was a mellow, loving cat, and the neighbors who did know him since he didn't go far, thought he was a special cat. He was also my best friend...and didn't deserve the way he died.

We need signs in places other than parks to reinforce the leash laws, and fines.

I hope you'll print some part of this, Arthur and I lived in Winthrop for several years and he survived everything the forest had to give and take. Pit bulls or dogs without leashes had to be responsible for his demise.

Jeanne Fairman

Brace Point