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Amid controversy over canceling a spay and neuter fee waiver program, LA's Department of Animal Service's General Manager has resigned. “I thank Ed Boks for his years of service," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in a statement. "Under his leadership, this City has revamped the way we treat and care for our pets and animals. The ‘no kill’ policy has become a central component of our animal services strategy. Pet adoptions are up and shelters have expanded at a rapid rate. And ‘spay and neuter’ has become more than just a call to action; it is the law in Los Angeles."
Villaraigosa had hired Boks--as he does with all department managers--but some City Councilmembers were angered when Boks cut a program that gave discounts and complimentary service on spay and neutering for pets, something that is now required of all pet owners in the city. Boks did it because he was asked to cut the budget and later reversed the decision, but a handful of councilmembers used Boks action as an example for all that's wrong in the department. A motion asking for a vote of no confidence was submitted in March, but was never voted on by the full City Council.
