Snitch Culture in LA

Once again we get the phoney line about the shelter in LA killing for lack of space, about breeding being the reason for shelter intakes, and the lies about spay-neuter and health. 

Public Information 

City of Los Angeles  Department of Animal Services

221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90012 / http://www.laanimalservices.com/

 For Immediate Release                                        

July 26, 2011                                                                 

Contact: Brenda F. Barnette, General Manager

Email: Brenda.barnette@lacity.org                                                                                    Phone: (213) 482-9558

Citizens Blow the Whistle to Help Animals

Recently, Angelenos expressed their concern that Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) still puts animals to death for lack of space.  They took action for positive change and reported neighbors and people advertising puppies online to LAAS.

LAAS officers went to the locations and found litters of puppies and unlicensed adult dogs –- German Shepherds and Pit Bulls.  The owners were handed citations for breeding without a breeder's permit and failure to license their dogs.  They were also provided with information about low-cost spay/neuter services.  LAAS will follow-up to make sure that compliance is complete.

The concerned citizens who blew the whistle understand that unplanned or accidental litters must be stopped and the Spay/Neuter Ordinance must be enforced.  They have volunteered to continue finding and reporting these unlicensed breeders to the Department.  We have other concerned citizens who have offered to help stop backyard breeding other ways, and we are grateful for their aid.  The breeding must be stopped as a way to prevent the animals from entering the shelters, which would help abolish the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy and wonderful pets.

The number of companion animals coming into our shelters has been growing for several years and we hit a record high in May, with more than 6,100 animals brought in during the month. We must take action to end the unnecessary destruction of great pets due to lack of space. We need everyone in Los Angeles to lend a hand.  Here is how you can help:

Get Your Dog Licensed NOW!

Make sure your dog's license is current because it protects your dog if he/she accidentally gets out and gets lost.  License tags give you the peace of mind to know that LAAS will be able to reunite you with your pet if she/he is turned in by a Good Samaritan or is picked up by one of our officers.  It is not only a great safety net for your dog, it is the law.

Fees:  Spayed or Neutered:  $20.00 with proof of rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neuter.

Unaltered dogs (not spayed or neutered):  $100 License plus $235 breeder's permit fee (some exemptions may apply).

Call LAAS at 888-452-7381 or visit our website at http://www.laanimalservices.com/ to find out how you can get your dog licensed.

Microchip Your Pets!

There may be a time when a gate or door is not firmly closed and the pet escapes.  Pet owners do not think to leave the pet's tags on when the pets are inside the house or out in the yard, or when a pet is being given a bath and the collar is removed.  A microchip is added protection for a lost pet and it can be scanned at a Vet's office or the shelter.  Remember to keep it current.

Get your companion animals Spayed or Neutered – A Change for the Better!

Spayed/neutered pets are less likely to want to roam away from home, which means they are less likely to get lost, hit by a vehicle, or get into a fight.  They can live twice as long and they are less likely to develop certain cancers.  This means lower medical bills.

If you have a DWP Bill indicating "Lifeline" or "Low Income Discount," you qualify for a voucher for FREE spay/neuter for up to three dogs and three cats that are your companions.  Call LAAS at 888-452-7381 to find out how you can get your spay/neuter vouchers for your pets. All City residents qualify to receive discount spay/neuter vouchers.

The mission of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services is to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of animals and people.  Call us at 1-888-452LA-PET1/1-888-452-7381 (TTY Hearing Impaired:  877-875-8205) or visit the website at http://www.laanimalservices.com/ to learn more.