Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth mejia has announced a complete performance audit of the Department of Animal Services (LAAS),aiming to shed light on the quality of care provided to animals in city shelters,the effectiveness of adoption programs,and the department’s ability to manage the overwhelming demand for its services.
this move comes on the heels of the resignation of LAAS General Manager Staycee Dains on November 30th. Dains had been placed on paid leave in August,just months after her appointment by Mayor Karen Bass in June 2023. disturbing statistics revealed a 72% surge in dog euthanasia from January to September, with 1,244 dogs put down compared to the previous year. Cat euthanasia also saw a 17% increase, reaching 1,517 during the same period. While these figures are alarming, Mejia has stated that his intention to audit LAAS predates these recent developments, having planned the review for the past two years.
The audit, spearheaded by the Controller’s Audit Services Division with the support of an animal shelter operations consultant, will focus on developing practical strategies to improve conditions within the department’s current budget constraints. It will also identify areas where additional funding or innovative revenue generation could significantly enhance services.
A stark reality facing LAAS is the severe overcrowding in city shelters. A pop-up notice on the LAAS website indicates that shelters are currently operating at 155% capacity, with 1,141 dogs housed in facilities designed to accommodate only 737.
LAAS operates six shelters and cared for approximately 39,000 dogs and cats in 2023. however, the department has long grappled with resource limitations. Recent City budget cuts have further reduced its funding by $1.4 million,bringing the total to $30.3 million – a mere 0.5% of the City’s $5.9 billion operating budget.
“LA Animal services has long faced an uphill battle trying to provide adequate care for the City’s animals while the City falls short on providing adequate resources,” said Controller Mejia. “Our audit aims to give LAAS, policymakers, and the public a clear picture of the department’s challenges and identify improvements that can enhance the lives of animals in our City’s shelters.”
Concerns about the conditions in local shelters have been circulating for some time. A series of reports have raised alarm bells over deteriorating conditions within city shelters:
- A July 2022 Los Angeles Times article reported severe overcrowding,with some dogs going weeks or months without walks.
- In February 2024, the department’s general manager stated shelters were operating 400-500 animals over capacity, with insufficient staff to provide basic care.
- A November 2024 LA Times article highlighted a rise in euthanasia rates, with overcrowding and behavioral issues contributing to the problem.
The audit will delve into key questions, including:
- Current conditions in City-operated and contracted shelters, including staffing levels, care provision, and animal outcomes.
- Alignment of LAAS operations with recognized guidelines for humane animal care and shelter management.
- Opportunities to improve operations or outcomes within existing funding and through additional resources.
- Comparisons with shelters operated by other municipalities to identify best practices.
The findings of the audit are expected to provide actionable insights to policymakers and LAAS as they work to address the challenges in caring for the city’s animals. “By better understanding the struggles LAAS faces, we hope to help the City achieve better outcomes for its animals while promoting humane care and sustainable shelter practices,” mejia said.
## is LA Failing its furry Friends? An Exclusive Interview on the City’s Animal Shelter Crisis
**World Today News:** Los Angeles City Controller Kenneth Mejia recently announced a complete performance audit of the Department of Animal Services (LAAS). This move comes amidst troubling statistics revealing a staggering increase in both dog and cat euthanasia at LA’s shelters. To understand the complexities of this situation, we sat down with **Dr. Emily Carter**, a leading expert in animal welfare and shelter management, to shed light on the challenges facing LAAS and the potential impact of this audit.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, the numbers coming out of LAAS are concerning. What factors do you believe contribute to the rise in euthanasia, and what are the broader implications for animal welfare in Los Angeles?
**Dr. Carter:** The surge in euthanasia in LA shelters points towards a complex web of issues. Overcrowding is certainly a major contributing factor, often driven by inadequate spay and neuter programs and insufficient resources for rehoming animals.
Though,it’s crucial to look beyond just numbers. Each euthanasia represents a life tragically cut short. The emotional toll on shelter staff, volunteers, and the community at large is immense. This situation also undermines public trust in LAAS and raises questions about the city’s commitment to responsible animal care.
**WTN:** City Controller Mejia insists that the audit, which will focus on improving conditions within current budget constraints, was planned long before the recent statistics came to light. How do you view this claim and what are your hopes for the audit’s outcome?
**Dr. Carter:** While it’s commendable that the Controller was already planning this audit, the timing is undoubtedly important given the current crisis facing LAAS.
This audit presents a crucial opportunity to conduct a thorough and unbiased assessment of LAAS operations.
I hope to see it address key issues:
* **Efficiency and Capacity:**
We need to understand how LAAS is managing resources and whether its current infrastructure can effectively meet the demands placed upon it.
* **Adoption and Foster Programs:** The audit should analyze the success rates of these programs and identify potential barriers hindering faster adoptions.
* **Community Engagement:**
How effectively is LAAS reaching out to the community to promote responsible pet ownership, spaying/neutering, and preventing animal surrender?
Ultimately, the audit’s success hinges on its ability to deliver actionable recommendations. We need concrete steps that can be implemented within budgetary constraints to improve the lives of animals in LA shelters.
**WTN:** The controller has mentioned exploring innovative revenue generation models. What are some potential solutions that could bring in additional funding for LAAS?
**Dr. carter:** Innovative funding models are crucial.
here are a few possibilities:
* **Public-Private Partnerships:** Collaboration with animal welfare organizations and corporations could unlock new funding streams for shelter services.
* **”Adopt-a-Kennel” Programs:** Individuals or businesses could sponsor specific kennels, providing financial support for the care of animals in those enclosures.
* **Targeted Grant Funding:** LAAS could pursue grants specifically geared towards shelter improvement and animal welfare initiatives.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, thanks for sharing your expertise. What message would you give to Angelenos who are concerned about the situation at LAAS?
**Dr. Carter:** This is a call to action.
First, educate yourselves about the challenges facing LAAS and the issues driving these statistics.
second, consider supporting organizations working to improve animal welfare, like local rescue groups and no-kill shelters.
don’t underestimate the power of your voice.
Advocate for change by contacting City Council members,attending community meetings,and demanding clarity and accountability from our elected officials.
The animals of Los Angeles are counting on us.
