L.A. Animal Services Head Resigns Amid Shelter Crisis
LA Animal Services Chief Resigns Amid Shelter Crisis
Los Angeles,CA – Staycee Dains,the head of Los Angeles Animal Services,has resigned effective November 30th,according to an email sent Monday to shelter volunteers and animal advocates. Assistant General Manager Annette Ramirez, who was appointed interim general manager by mayor karen Bass, announced the news.
Dains, who earned approximately $272,730 annually, had been on paid leave since August, leaving the agency’s leadership in limbo. Officials remained tight-lipped about the reason for her leave, fueling uncertainty about the future of the department.When questioned about Dains’ future in October, Mayor Bass declined to comment on whether she was seeking a new general manager. She did, though, praise Ramirez’s performance in leading the agency during Dains’ absence, stating that she was ”performing absolutely fine.”
Dains’ appointment in June 2023 was hailed by Mayor Bass as a key step in her plan to revitalize Animal Services, which has long grappled with chronic issues like overcrowding and staffing shortages. Earlier this year, spokesperson Agnes Sibal described the overcrowding situation as reaching “crisis levels,” with ”nowhere to house incoming dogs.”
During her tenure,dains expedited the approval process for new volunteers,who play a crucial role in caring for the animals.However, her time at the helm was also marked by controversy as euthanasia rates for dogs and cats climbed.
From January to September, 1,224 dogs were euthanized at the city’s six shelters – a staggering 72% increase compared to the same period last year. Cat euthanasia also rose, with 1,517 cats put down through September, representing a 17% increase from the previous year.
these increases have drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates. Overcrowding in shelters can lead to dire conditions for animals, with some dogs going weeks without walks and living in unsanitary kennels.
“In overcrowded shelters, dogs can go weeks without a walk and may live in feces-covered kennels, and some animals start behaving poorly and suffer ‘mental and emotional breakdown,'” according to a report by Best Friends Animal Society, a rescue group that has worked closely with the city shelters.
Animal welfare consultant kristen Hassen, whose firm was recently hired to assess the shelters, has characterized the rise in dog euthanasia as an “over-correction” by the department.
Dains previously held leadership positions at Animal Care Services in Long beach and as shelter operations manager at San Jose’s Animal Care and Services.
LA Animal Services Chief Resigns Amid Shelter Crisis
Los Angeles, CA – Staycee dains has stepped down as the head of Los Angeles Animal Services, effective November 30th. Her resignation, announced in an email to volunteers and advocates, brings an end to a tumultuous tenure marked by both progress and controversy.
Dains, who earned an annual salary of $272,730, had been on paid leave as August, with the city remaining tight-lipped regarding the reason for her absence. Assistant General Manager Annette Ramirez,who has been serving as interim general manager since Dains’ leave,will continue in that role.
Dains’ appointment in June 2023 was hailed by Mayor Karen Bass as a key step in revitalizing a department grappling with chronic issues like overcrowding and staffing shortages.
During her tenure, Dains expedited the volunteer approval process, recognizing their vital role in animal care. However, her time was also overshadowed by a surge in euthanasia rates. From January to september, 1,224 dogs were euthanized, a 72% increase compared to the same period last year. Cat euthanasia also saw a 17% increase, with 1,517 cats put down.
These increases have drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates, who cite overcrowding as a significant factor leading to dire conditions for animals.
Animal welfare consultant Kristen Hassen, recently hired to assess the shelters, has termed the rise in dog euthanasia an “over-correction” by the department.
Dains previously held leadership positions at Animal Care services in Long Beach and as shelter operations manager at San Jose’s Animal Care and Services.