Los Angeles city animal shelters have been hit with a severe overcrowding crisis, and animal advocates are urgently calling on community members to consider adopting a pet, officials said Thursday.
As of Thursday, 919 dogs are in the custody of LA Animal Services, with the Chesterfield Square/South LA shelter now housing nearly 250 dogs and puppies, according to the city.
The shelters have room for 737 dogs, and the shelters overall are at 125% capacity, according to the LA Animal Services web site.
Without immediate help, healthy, adoptable pets are at risk of euthanasia simply due to lack of space, the agency announced. As a result, LA Animal Services has reduced adoption fees by 50% every weekend this month.
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“Our Chesterfield Square/South LA shelter has already seen a 32% surge in dog intake compared to the same time last year,” Annette Ramirez, interim general manager of LA Animal Services, said in a statement. “With nowhere left to house incoming animals, we are facing heartbreaking decisions for pets who deserve a second chance.”
Weekend adoptions fees at all six LA Animal Services centers are now only $51 for dogs, $75 for puppies, $12.50 for cats, and $25 for kittens. Every adopted pet comes spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
During the recent City Council meeting to discuss Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget, her office recommended that $5 million in what’s called the “unappropriated balance” be put back into the Animal Services budget, which would restore funding so no shelters would close, Ramirez said.
