Save Lives and Call for True No-Kill Shelters in Los Angeles
9,916 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Tell LA to uphold the true spirit of compassion and save hundreds of innocent animals from being euthanized.
In the heart of a city known for its boundless compassion, Los Angeles's animal shelters face a dire crisis. With noble intentions, our shelters have pledged a no-kill policy, aiming to provide a safe haven for every abandoned soul. Yet, the reality within these walls tells a different story.
Overcrowded conditions threaten the very essence of the no-kill promise, casting a shadow over the future of countless animals.
The Crisis at Hand
Los Angeles shelters are overwhelmed, operating well beyond their intended capacity. This overcrowding leads to untenable conditions, where animals, once part of loving homes, now vie for space, food, and basic care. The surge in pet surrenders has only deepened this crisis, pushing our shelters to a breaking point.
The noble no-kill policy, meant to safeguard these lives, faces its greatest challenge yet. Shelters, constrained by space and resources, grapple with heartbreaking decisions daily1. The looming threat of euthanasia hangs heavy, a stark contradiction to the no-kill ethos we hold dear.
Voices from the Frontlines
Witnesses to this unfolding tragedy, like Carole Pearson of the Dawg Squad, shed light on the harsh realities within shelter walls. Their testimonies reveal the struggle to maintain dignity and care amidst burgeoning populations2. Stories of animals suffering in cramped conditions, without adequate access to food or clean water, pierce the heart of every animal lover3.
Brittany Thorn, executive director of L.A. Best Friends Animal Society, counters the notion that no-kill policies contribute to overcrowding. Instead, she advocates for community involvement and robust support programs as the lifeline these shelters desperately need2.
A Call to Action
This is where we draw the line. It's time to rally, to demand that our shelters embody the true spirit of no-kill policies. These sanctuaries must be places of hope, not despair, where every animal is treated with the dignity and care they deserve.
We must not stand idly by as overcrowding threatens to undermine the core values of our no-kill shelters. This crisis calls for immediate action, for the collective will of our community to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Join Our Cause
Today, we call upon you, the heart and soul of Los Angeles, to stand with us. Sign our petition to the General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services and the Mayor of Los Angeles. Demand integrity, demand humanity. Insist that our shelters live up to their no-kill promises, not just in name but in practice.
Together, we can be the force of change, ensuring that our shelters are true havens of care and compassion. Your signature is more than just a pledge; it's a beacon of hope for a brighter future for all.
Sign the Petition Now
Let's transform our shelters into the sanctuaries they were meant to be. For every life saved, for every tail wag and purr of contentment, we build a kinder, more compassionate Los Angeles.
- Alene Tchekmedyian, Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times (3 December 2023), "‘We’re inundated’: Animal shelters across the U.S. are overflowing."
- Josephine Mayer, Los Angeles Magazine (14 December 2023), "Dawg Squad Owner Blames L.A.'s 'No-Kill' Policy for Animal Shelter Overcrowding."
- Phyllis M Daugherty, City Watch (4 March 2024), "LA Animal Services 'No Kill' Plan Falls Short: GM Staycee Dains Announces Euthanasia for 800 Animals."
The Petition:
To the General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services and the Honorable Mayor of Los Angeles,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned citizens who advocate for the welfare and humane treatment of animals within the Los Angeles shelter system. We call upon your leadership to uphold the true spirit of the no-kill policy that your city prides itself on. Recent reports and concerns have surfaced, indicating that animals in LA shelters are suffering due to overcrowding, lack of resources, and eventual euthanasia - a stark contradiction to the no-kill promise.
We demand immediate action to address the following:
- Transparency and Accountability: Implement transparent reporting mechanisms on shelter conditions, animal intake, and euthanasia rates.
- Enhanced Shelter Conditions: Ensure that all shelters have the necessary resources to provide a clean, safe, and stress-free environment for the animals in their care.
- Increased Support and Resources: Allocate additional funding and resources to expand shelter capacity, improve medical care, and enhance animal enrichment programs.
- Community Engagement and Support: Foster stronger community involvement through volunteer programs, fostering opportunities, and awareness campaigns to encourage adoption.
- Collaboration with Rescue Organizations: Strengthen partnerships with local and national rescue organizations to ensure more animals find temporary or permanent homes outside the shelter system.
- Promotion of Spaying and Neutering: Intensify efforts to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering to control the pet population and reduce shelter intake.
By taking these actions, we believe that Los Angeles can lead by example in animal welfare, truly embodying the principles of a no-kill city. It is not enough to avoid euthanasia; we must ensure that every animal in care experiences compassion, dignity, and the chance for a brighter future.
Let us come together to create a city that not only saves lives but also provides quality care and respect for all its inhabitants. Together, we can forge a future where every animal in Los Angeles is treated with the humanity and integrity they deserve.
Sincerely,
