The Los Angeles animal shelters are facing an unprecedented crisis. Overcrowding has reached a critical level, with the shelters operating at a staggering 203% capacity across the city. This dire situation mean there are not enough kennels to house the overwhelming number of dogs in need of a safe haven. In this article we talk about LA City Animal Shelters Facing Dire Crisis.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
At present, approximately 1,500 dogs are spread across the six city-run animal shelters. However these facilities were designed to accommodate only around 750 dogs at full capacity. The math is simple yet devastating – there are nearly twice as many dogs as there are available kennels.
Inhumane Conditions and Urgent Calls for Action
Recent video footage taken by volunteers and animal rescue groups inside the Chesterfield Square South LA Animal Shelter has revealed the harsh reality of the overcrowding crisis. Kennels are packed beyond capacity with multiple dogs forced to share small enclosures. Some animals are even living in their own waste due to the overwhelming demand on shelter resources.
“Most of these dogs have been in homes and now they sit in their own feces kenneled up with other dogs who may not be very friendly because there is no space and the volume of barking is such stressful environment, it’s really awful,” laments Mia Gyzander, an animal trainer and founder of the Blue Man Dog rescue group.
A Grassroots Effort to Alleviate the Strain
Gyzander has teamed up with volunteers, rescuers and trainers to form Foster South LA, an initiative aimed at relieving the burden on the overcrowded Chesterfield Square shelter. This shelter, which should house no more than 220 dogs, is currently home to over 500 canines in desperate need of care.
“Adopt or foster is the immediate thing to do, clearly. Spread the word, talk to other people, and be aware of what’s going on in our shelters today because this is a crisis,” urges Gyzander, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Leading by Example
Gyzander herself recently rescued an 11-month-old Malinois named Fergie from the South LA shelter to provide a temporary foster home. Along with a dedicated team of volunteers, she visits the shelters weekly to check on the animals and lend a helping hand wherever possible.
The Heartbreaking Reality of the Red Alert List
As of now, a staggering 104 dogs are on the LA Animal Services Red Alert List, meaning they are scheduled for euthanasia between now and June 2nd. Approximately half of these dogs are from the South LA shelter alone, with many placed on the list due to behavioral or medical issues.
Gyzander believes that reducing the overall volume of dogs in the shelters is crucial to addressing the crisis. “Because then the rescue groups and shelter staff and volunteers can focus on the more challenging dogs, but as long as we have this extreme overpopulation, it’s like everybody is running around, and you can’t even get to all the dogs. It’s just too many,” she explains.
A Desperate Call for Foster Families and Adopters
Gyzander’s message is clear: “We really need people to step up and take dogs out. Because there is no space, so what are we going to do unless we get dogs out with foster or adopt? This is not going to end.”
LA Animal Services is working tirelessly with over 300 rescue groups to facilitate fostering and adoptions, but more help is needed. They report that 90% of the dogs on the Red Alert List are typically rescued or adopted before being euthanized, but the current crisis is testing the limits of their resources.
How You Can Help
If you’re considering adding a furry companion to your family, now is the time to act. Visit the LA Animal Services website to view available dogs for adoption or contact Blue Man Dog for fostering opportunities.
Fostering is a temporary commitment that provides much-needed relief to the overcrowded shelters. By opening your home, even for a short period, you can play a vital role in saving lives and creating space for other animals in need.
For those unable to foster or adopt, volunteering at the shelters or making a donation to reputable animal welfare organizations can also make a significant difference.
The crisis facing the Los Angeles animal shelters is severe, but it is not without hope. By raising awareness and mobilizing the community, we can work together to alleviate the suffering of these innocent animals and ensure they receive the care and loving homes they deserve.
In the face of such overwhelming odds, inaction is not an option. The time to act is now. Join the compassionate individuals and organizations fighting on the front lines of this crisis, and let your voice be heard for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Together, we can turn the tide and create a brighter future for the countless furry friends relying on our kindness and support. I sincerely hope you find this “LA City Animal Shelters Facing Dire Crisis-What Really Happened?” article helpful.