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Civics & Democracy

LA considers boosting dog household limit to combat shelter overcrowding

Two tiny tan Chihuahuas are peaking over a cement step from the inside of a dog kennel at an animal shelter. The dog on the left is wearing a red collar.
Chihuahuas await adoption at a Los Angeles Department of Animal Services shelter.
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David McNew
/
Getty Images
)

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Topline:

Pet owners in the city of Los Angeles could soon be able to add a fourth dog after the L.A. Board of Animal Services Commissioners approved a proposal to increase the household limit on Tuesday.

Why it matters: Staycee Dains, the general manager of L.A. Animal Services, said during Tuesday’s meeting that this legislative change could encourage people to adopt and foster more animals — “which we sorely need in the city.”

The six shelters have 1,541 dogs in its care as of Tuesday morning, which is more than double the capacity, according to the department’s “Dog Occupancy Meter.”

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Why now: The board agreed to move forward with the idea in a 3 to 0 vote, with Commissioner James Jensvold absent.

The backstory: L.A. County increased its dog limit from three to four in 2017, and Dains said it’s important to have continuity between the neighboring jurisdictions.

What's next: The proposal will now head to the L.A. City Council and Mayor Karen Bass’ office.

Go deeper: Learn more about shelter overcrowding and how to help.

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