An outpouring of media attention and community support this past weekend has saved hundreds of dogs and cats that were stuck in overcrowded Los Angeles city shelters -- but more than 1,300 animals still need forever homes.
The crisis started during the Fouth of July holiday, the biggest intake period at city shelters, according to L.A. Animal Services spokeswoman Ashley Rodriguez. Then, during the last week of July, shelter officials responded to three separate hoarding cases and rescued nearly 300 animals, filling all six of the city's shelters to maximum capacity.
A total of 328 cats and dogs were adopted from city shelters Aug. 4 and 5, bringing last week's adoption total to 880 animals. But more than 800 dogs, 500 cats and 350 other animals are still waiting for new homes. Because of that, adoption fees will again be half-off this coming weekend, Aug. 11 and 12. Those reduced rates, according to shelter officials, are:
All animals up for adoption are vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped before going home with their new family.
Thank you LA, a grand total of 328 amazing pets were adopted from our shelters! ❤️ We're very appreciative of your support, and excited to announce adoption fees will be cut in half again this weekend 8/11 & 8/12! Visit https://t.co/vi9AMIYKqD to find your nearest shelter 🐶
— LA Animal Services (@LACityPets) August 6, 2018
About 250 animals remain on the city shelters' red list, Rodriguez said, meaning they could be euthanized if they don't get adopted or find foster homes in the near future.
Rodriguez also explained that the red list is in place to alert the agency's rescue partners of animals in critical need of adoption. Animals on the red list have a discounted adoption fee and are free for the rescue groups, she says.
"We would like the community to understand that hundreds of pets will not be euthanized this week or anytime soon," Rodriguez tells LAist. "However, if alternative solutions do not become present, shelters may have to make the difficult decision to euthanize some animals for space."
Rodriguez also encouraged anyone hoping to adopt a dog from a city shelter to consider a larger breed and/or an older dog, which have the hardest time finding homes.
"They make amazing pets, have so much love to give and are truly grateful for their second chance at life," she says.
A map of L.A. city shelter locations and contact information can be found here.
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