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ANIMAL WATCH - Los Angeles Animal Services is sounding the alarm: shelters across the city are overwhelmed, with more than 900 dogs currently in custody — and the numbers are still climbing. The crisis is especially acute at the Chesterfield Square/South LA Animal Shelter, which is now housing nearly 250 dogs and puppies, far beyond its intended capacity.
Without immediate community action, hundreds of healthy, adoptable pets are at risk of euthanasia — not due to illness or behavior issues, but simply because there’s no space left.
“Our Chesterfield Square/South LA shelter has already seen a 32% surge in dog intake compared to the same time last year,” said Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager of LA Animal Services. “With nowhere left to house incoming animals, we are facing heartbreaking decisions for pets who deserve a second chance.”
Here's How You Can Help Right Now
Adopt
All six LA Animal Services Centers are filled with loving dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens waiting for a permanent home. To encourage adoptions, the department has reduced fees every weekend in May:
- Dogs: $51
- Puppies: $75
- Cats: $12.50
- Kittens: $25
Every adopted pet comes spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Visit LAAnimalServices.com to view adoptable pets or stop by a shelter in person.
Foster
If you’re unable to adopt, consider fostering. Even short-term fostering provides critical relief and opens up space for more animals. Visit your local shelter to start the process and help save lives today.
Shelter Hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Mondays and City holidays closed)
Budget Support Could Prevent Future Closures
During the April 29 Budget Meeting, the Mayor’s Office recommended restoring $5 million to the Animal Services budget from the city’s “unappropriated balance.” This funding would help maintain staffing levels and keep all six city shelters operational.
Mayor Karen Bass reaffirmed her support for animal care services, tweeting:
“My budget contains funding for the department in two different areas – in the departmental budget but also an additional $5 million in what’s called the ‘unappropriated balance’. Combined, this means all 6 shelters will be able to stay open.”
However, the Mayor’s budget proposal still requires final approval from both the Budget and Finance Committee and the full City Council.
In the meantime, community involvement remains the most immediate lifeline for these animals.
To adopt, foster, or learn more, visit LAAnimalServices.com. Every action you take today can help save a life.
(A reader service of CityWatchLA.com.)
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