Appoint a No Kill General Manager for LA Animal Services so that all healthy and adoptable animals are placed in loving homes

With the resignation of LA Animal Services General Manager Ed Boks in June 2009, Mayor Villaraigosa is now charged with appointing the next General Manager. Our job therefore is to build a successful campaign to build awareness and advocate for Mayor Villaraigosa to appoint a No Kill dedicated General Manager.

As concerned Los Angeles citizens, taxpayers, members of rescue groups and animal advocacy organizations and visitors to your city, we are appalled by:

1) the unconscionable number of animals killed in LA animal shelters. In 2008, LAAS reports that they killed over 19,600 animals, while only 26,285 were adopted (a 30% kill increase from 2007);

2) the horrific conditions in the shelters that cause animals to further suffer and deteriorate, and the killing of dogs and cats for space; and

3) the lack of accountability and outreach to the public by the Department of Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS). Increasing public participation and volunteerism, including growing foster programs, are crucial to how other cities work towards and achieve No Kill results. Los Angeles is rich but under utilized with community support and compassion for animals.