“Mismanagement and inefficiencies” is such an overly generous way to describe what’s going on at LAAS. The only tool in their kit seems to be killing. I understand that we are a in true crisis, most of which can be laid at the feet of irresponsible dog owners and backyard breeders. Nonetheless, LAAS has a duty to operate in compliance with Hayden’s law. Yet they continually and intentionally shirk their responsibility by mislabeling dogs as “behavioral” so that they can be killed without counting against live release rate. And as you’ve pointed out, they have been unresponsive to offers of assistance from the public, trainers, veterinarians and other professionals even though they would come at no cost to LASS. They refuse to enforce spay/neuter laws or establish any kind of meaningful low cost or free S/N clinics despite the fact that they are sitting on millions of dollars in donations to the Animal Welfare Trust Fund. Having worked both as a transporter/puller and foster, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with animals that were red listed for supposed “aggressive” behavior. Every single one of them was nothing but loving, affectionate and deserving. This constant mislabeling of dogs in order to kill them more quickly is not simply mismanagement but rather a willful and conscious decision. The number of staff that I’ve encountered that have very little understanding of dog behavior or flat out distain for them is shocking. But how do you make people care who simply do not?
Thank you, Sunny, for sharing your concerns and experiences with LAAS. I understand and share your frustration. The issues you've highlighted are deeply troubling and indicative of systemic problems that need urgent attention.
It's disheartening to hear about the mislabeling of dogs to manipulate statistics, as well as the refusal to accept help from the community and professionals. Your experiences as a transporter, puller, and foster give you a unique and valuable perspective on these issues, and it's clear that the animals deserve much better.
We must continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and humane treatment within LAAS. Your dedication and compassion for these animals are inspiring, and I hope that by raising awareness and pushing for change, we can make a significant impact.
Thank you again for your commitment to animal welfare and for voicing these critical concerns.
I believe these patterns of behavior exist among numerous shelters who are desperate to control their populations while still adhering to favorable quotas for reporting purposes. Additionally, it's easy to incorrectly assess a dog as having behavioral issues, because we know they deteriorate in the shelter environment (although that behavior tends to correct itself once they're out). We need to do better. There should be more emphasis towards preventive measures, like low-cost s/n and heavier enforcement of anti-backyard breeder laws before we continue throwing money at shelters that have chosen to opt out of working with their communities.
What is going on with LAAS? Why have they been such a persistent problem? The tools are really available to transition to a no-kill or low-kill facility.
I've been following this via the No Kill Advocacy Center, and it's heartbreaking.
Hello Jennifer, your question is legitimate. There was a time when LAAS was ahead of the curve. In fact, here is a link to a series of articles written in 2008 explaining LAAS' implementation of each tenet of the no-kill equation. It is sad to see how tone deaf the current administration has become:
It's crazy how the type and level of care the animals get changes so radically, based on who is running the shelter!
I grew up in a county with a shelter that was REALLY BAD for a really long time. They finally lost their contract in the late 90s or early 2000s, and animal control was moved under the police department. They built a huge, much more modern facility, and complaints weren't way down. I don't know how it is now, as I love I'm a different state, but I was very happy to see that change!
I think you'll be interested in this article: https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/lebanons-goats-and-their-herders-brave-warmer-weather
Thanks. I did a deep dive on this. Should be posting something in a few days. I appreciate the tip!
“Mismanagement and inefficiencies” is such an overly generous way to describe what’s going on at LAAS. The only tool in their kit seems to be killing. I understand that we are a in true crisis, most of which can be laid at the feet of irresponsible dog owners and backyard breeders. Nonetheless, LAAS has a duty to operate in compliance with Hayden’s law. Yet they continually and intentionally shirk their responsibility by mislabeling dogs as “behavioral” so that they can be killed without counting against live release rate. And as you’ve pointed out, they have been unresponsive to offers of assistance from the public, trainers, veterinarians and other professionals even though they would come at no cost to LASS. They refuse to enforce spay/neuter laws or establish any kind of meaningful low cost or free S/N clinics despite the fact that they are sitting on millions of dollars in donations to the Animal Welfare Trust Fund. Having worked both as a transporter/puller and foster, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with animals that were red listed for supposed “aggressive” behavior. Every single one of them was nothing but loving, affectionate and deserving. This constant mislabeling of dogs in order to kill them more quickly is not simply mismanagement but rather a willful and conscious decision. The number of staff that I’ve encountered that have very little understanding of dog behavior or flat out distain for them is shocking. But how do you make people care who simply do not?
Thank you, Sunny, for sharing your concerns and experiences with LAAS. I understand and share your frustration. The issues you've highlighted are deeply troubling and indicative of systemic problems that need urgent attention.
It's disheartening to hear about the mislabeling of dogs to manipulate statistics, as well as the refusal to accept help from the community and professionals. Your experiences as a transporter, puller, and foster give you a unique and valuable perspective on these issues, and it's clear that the animals deserve much better.
We must continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and humane treatment within LAAS. Your dedication and compassion for these animals are inspiring, and I hope that by raising awareness and pushing for change, we can make a significant impact.
Thank you again for your commitment to animal welfare and for voicing these critical concerns.
I believe these patterns of behavior exist among numerous shelters who are desperate to control their populations while still adhering to favorable quotas for reporting purposes. Additionally, it's easy to incorrectly assess a dog as having behavioral issues, because we know they deteriorate in the shelter environment (although that behavior tends to correct itself once they're out). We need to do better. There should be more emphasis towards preventive measures, like low-cost s/n and heavier enforcement of anti-backyard breeder laws before we continue throwing money at shelters that have chosen to opt out of working with their communities.
Could not agree with you more. Especially the last part about how shelters have opted out of working with members of the community
What is going on with LAAS? Why have they been such a persistent problem? The tools are really available to transition to a no-kill or low-kill facility.
I've been following this via the No Kill Advocacy Center, and it's heartbreaking.
Hello Jennifer, your question is legitimate. There was a time when LAAS was ahead of the curve. In fact, here is a link to a series of articles written in 2008 explaining LAAS' implementation of each tenet of the no-kill equation. It is sad to see how tone deaf the current administration has become:
https://edboks.com/?s=equation
It's crazy how the type and level of care the animals get changes so radically, based on who is running the shelter!
I grew up in a county with a shelter that was REALLY BAD for a really long time. They finally lost their contract in the late 90s or early 2000s, and animal control was moved under the police department. They built a huge, much more modern facility, and complaints weren't way down. I don't know how it is now, as I love I'm a different state, but I was very happy to see that change!
*readily available