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Christine Haslet's avatar

Do people remember the huge international outcry when China rounded up animals off the streets and killed them for “their” Olympic events?

We are no better. We do this every single day without a second thought. Mayor Bass and her minions that run LA Animal shelters will no doubt put their slaughterhouses in full gear.

If I sound angry and horrified, it is because I am. I like so many tax paying animal advocates are horrified and disgusted at the lack of will to fix this.

I’ve dedicated over a decade, financially, emotionally and spiritually to the cause of improving this nightmare. It is now worse than ever. The system is absolutely riddled with corruption and collusion.

And I and others have never felt more hopeless and more overpowered by the consortium of a fake “animal welfare system” that has tipped the balance of power towards the MASS SLAUGHTER of our orphaned, homeless kittens, puppies, dog and cats.

They have normalized animal cruelty on a grand scale with all their millions and their resources. THERE, I’ve said it.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Christine. Your passion and truth-telling are deeply felt—and absolutely necessary. You speak for so many advocates who’ve poured their hearts into this fight, only to watch the system grow more callous and broken. I hope you'll consider sharing this powerful comment in the article's public thread so others can read, resonate, and stand with you. Your voice matters—and it needs to be heard.

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Christine Haslet's avatar

No, thank YOU Ed for always speaking up, advocating and exposing. It is much needed.

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Elaine Miller's avatar

There, once again, you see clearly what most people never think of. Thank you.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Elaine. That means a lot. I’m grateful you’re part of this community—and for always being among the first who are willing to see what others overlook.

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Kathy Riordan's avatar

Look no further back than 2000 when LA hosted the Democratic National Convention. There was an uproar when Council ordered LAAS to round up all the stray dogs. From there the then late LAAS GM Dan Knapp said this will result in more animal deaths and, then, getting into deep do do for saying so.

Consider that LA is in exponentially worse shape now than it was then, it will be a steep uphill climb for the city to ready itself for this. Add to that the numbers coming in for the Olympics vs the DNC.

The poor animals, both human and non-human …'just doesn't seem like it will bode well for them.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thanks for sharing this, Kathy. Your perspective—and your long history with LA governance—adds important context. You're absolutely right to draw the parallel with the 2000 DNC. If even that scale of event led to such fallout for animals, it's sobering to think how much worse things could be now, given how much the city has deteriorated. The warning signs are flashing, and voices like yours help remind us how high the stakes really are—for both people and animals.

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Annoula Wylderich's avatar

Thank you for the alert, Ed. This event certainly does not bode well for vulnerable populations including (and perhaps, especially) animals. Angelenos need to start mobilizing.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Annoula. I couldn’t agree more—mobilizing now is essential. The animals, the environment, and our most vulnerable communities can’t afford to be an afterthought. Grateful for your voice in this fight.

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Judy Jennings's avatar

Once again, you nailed it.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Judy! I always appreciate your encouragement—grateful to have you reading and standing with us.

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melissa forberg's avatar

Las Angeles has not proven that they can protect the vulnerable now without the scrutiny of the whole world... Just wait! They will not represent our country well, not as the humane country we are striving to be.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Melissa. You put it perfectly—if LA can’t protect the vulnerable now, adding the pressure of global scrutiny will only expose those failures further. Let’s keep pushing for the kind of city—and country—we should be proud to show the world.

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Rosemary Hradek's avatar

When I read this newsletter, it took me back to having been in LA for the 1984 Games. Today I realize that hosting the world translates to slaughtering the most vulnerable. Locations like LA's Skid Row will be prime "clean up targets". Very disturbing ... the ghosts of the LA fires and the continued incompetency of Mayor Bass will not have gone away by 2028.

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