Mayor's Budget Explanation Eases Concerns, Yet Los Angeles' Animal Shelters Remain in Need of Assistance
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Mayor Karen Bass for committing $5 mil to keep LA's animal shelters operational—a move we certainly appreciate. Bravo to the concerned residents who rallied for this cause, making their voices heard at hearings and demonstrations. Your efforts made a difference!
However, our shelters remain overburdened, and far too many Angelenos remain unaware of where they can adopt or provide fostering for animals in dire need. Healthy, adoptable canines and felines are still being eliminated due to space crunches at facilities that ought to be havens, not last resorts.
Additionally, Mayor Bass has the power to save countless lives with a simple move: lifting her hold on the Hanoi sister city resolution, which, in turn, could help put a stop to the violent dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam.
Fleur Dawes, San Rafael
Swamped LA animal shelters continue to wrestle with a critical overpopulation crisis, driving up euthanasia rates significantly. Euthanasia of canines rose by a shocking 72% from January to September 2024, with feline euthanasia rates also steadily climbing[3]. The issue is so dire that some shelters house nearly 250 dogs and puppies, marking a 32% surge in intake compared to last year[2].
The overcrowding necessitates tough decisions, with healthy, adoptable pets being euthanized due to the lack of space[2]. Alarmingly, initial budget cuts had threatened to close three out of six city shelters, a move that would further exacerbate the situation. Despite statements assuring shelter continuity under the current budget proposal, animal rescue groups remain vigilant[1][5].
Attempts to reduce euthanasia rates revolve around fostering adoption, dropping adoption fees, encouraging community engagement, advocating against proposed budget cuts, and looking for sustainable funding sources to minimize shelter closures[1][2][5].
Elaine Livesey-Fassel, Los Angeles
More to ponder:
- Voices ### Letters to the Editor: Daddy's legacy shaped Target. Its rollback of DEI programs is a betrayal
- Voices ### Letters to the Editor: Approving church-run schools for government funding could open a 'Pandora's box'
[1] "LA animal shelters face budget cuts, but will not close under current proposal, Mayor Bass says," LA Times, May 1, 2025.[2] "LA animal services slashes fees for adoptable pets amid overcrowding crisis," KTLA, May 1, 2025.[3] "LA animal shelters report surge in euthanasia as overcrowding worsens," LAist, December 15, 2024.[4] "LA threatening to close three shelters due to proposed budget cuts," ABC 7, April 15, 2025.[5] "LA animal advocates rally against budget cuts, demand better funding for animal services," Pet Age, May 10, 2025.
- The ongoing crisis at Los Angeles animal shelters, which are swamped with an overpopulation of pets, has driven up euthanasia rates leaving many wondering if their homes and gardens could better accommodate abandoned animals.
- As some shelters struggle to house nearly 250 dogs and puppies, pet owners across California are advocating for change, including reduced adoption fees and lobbying against proposed budget cuts, to ensure that healthy pets aren't eliminated due to space constraints.
- In a letter to the editor, Fleur Dawes of San Rafael commended Mayor Karen Bass for committing $5 million to keep LA's animal shelters operational but also encouraged a more proactive approach to address the overpopulation issue, such as lifting Bass's hold on the Hanoi sister city resolution to help put a stop to the violent dog and cat meat trade in Vietnam.
- Simultaneously, between Los Angeles and San Rafael, lifestyle choices that prioritize the wellbeing of our pets are subject to debate and opinion, with one editorial questioning the recent rollback of DEI programs at Target, which some argue has betrayed the legacy left by the company's founder.
