Rescue Groups Plead For Help As Overcrowded LA Shelters Set To Euthanize 100 Dogs By June

Los Angeles animal shelters are planning to euthanize about 100 dogs and other pets in the coming weeks as the city continues to grapple with overcrowding at its six locations.

According to its website, L.A. Animal Services had 1,547 dogs in its care – a 210% occupancy rate as of Tuesday. But municipal shelters only have room for 737 dogs, which means many of them have to share a single kennel. Volunteers said there aren’t enough resources to ensure proper medical care or to walk the dogs regularly.

Animals that are placed on a “Red Alert” list are in danger of being euthanized after 48 hours and need immediate adoption. About half the dogs currently listed are being housed at the city’s Chesterfield Square facility in South L.A.

Local rescue organizations said they’re in desperate need of public support, especially during the warmer months, when shelters are at their busiest.

“We’re in crisis and we need help,” said Sherrie Calderon, founder of Giselle’s Legacy. The group rescues animals that are placed on the city’s “red list” and connects them to foster homes. “We just want them to have a chance at the life they deserve,” she said.

Lily Thomas, a volunteer with the group, called on L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and shelter leaders to be more transparent about the overcrowding crisis and encourage more residents to foster and adopt.

Tucker is a 1-and-a-half-year-old, neutered, male Maltipoo. He is fun, outgoing and playful, and likes to play with dogs of all sizes.

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Courtesy Giselle's Legacy

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She said the lack of pet-friendly shelters, combined with “prohibitively expensive” veterinarian fees for spaying and neutering animals, is only making things worse.

Officials did not respond to requests for comment.

“We risk retaliation… but at this point, we need to get the word out. Go to a small rescue and try to help,” Thomas said. “None of them deserve to die.”

Summer uptick

Experts said the summer months are tough for local shelters and rescue groups because people are outdoors more and they travel. Some Angelenos start setting off (illegal) fireworks as early as May, which can spook pets into running from home.

“When the Fourth comes around, it's going to be extremely difficult,” said Mia Gysander, a professional dog trainer and founder of the rescue group Blue Man Dog. “And now the shelters already are at double capacity. So you can just imagine what's going to happen.”

Blue Man Dog rescues and adopts up to 100 dogs a year. It also partnered with the nonprofit A Purposeful Rescue to help foster dogs from the city’s South L.A. shelter.

“They don't have enough staff. There's not enough people that are fostering or adopting, so the animals are suffering. It's a terrible, terrible situation,” Gysander said.

What's being done?

Last month, the L.A. City Council approved a temporary moratorium on new dog breeding permits to help alleviate overcrowding at the city’s shelters. It would last until dog kennel capacity at the shelters is at or below 75% for three consecutive months.

“It's the aftermath of COVID,” Gysander said. “Everybody wanted dogs, so breeders also were breeding more dogs. During the pandemic, so many dogs did not get fixed. Now it's a snowball effect.”

How to help

Consider fostering or adopting a pet if you can — especially one from a small independent rescue group. Lily Thomas of Giselle’s Legacy said residents can call or text her at (310) 982-0706 to learn more about the process. Here are some other groups that partner with the city.

Also, spread the word. Even if you can't take in a dog at this time, you might be able to reach someone else who is interested.

Donations also help. Rescue groups use the money to pay for crates, medical supplies, and other resources.

Meet Irondale, a 3-year-old male Pit Bull Terrier. He loves to swim and he loves to chew on tennis balls, ropes and toys.

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Courtesy Giselle's Legacy

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Finding the right match

Gysander of Blue Man Dog said the goal is to match people with a dog that fits their lifestyle. Temperament and energy level are among the most important things to look out for.

“Don't just look at a dog and be like, ‘Oh, I want that dog because it's cute.' That's the worst way of selecting a dog, and that's what a lot of people do,” she said.

The group also offers free online training manuals to answer any questions and help families adjust to caring for a pet.