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In addition to the ongoing homelessness crisis in Skidrow, animal advocates have raised concerns about the dire situation faced by dogs living in the area.
Local rescuers say many animals have been abused, ignored and even been injected with drugs. They are often denied medical care and are born out of excess for profit.
After helping dogs with Skid Row for eight years, Victoria Parker co-founded today’s nonprofit in 2020. The organization provides essential resources for both people and pets in the area.
Parker says the situation has been getting worse in recent years.
“We’ve seen the pit bull covered under the tarps in the sun. It’s a dog that doesn’t have access to food, water,” Parker told KTLA’s Kacey Montoya.
One particularly heartbreaking case was a sick dog whose owner finally allowed Parker to take to the vet. The dog was found to have fluid ruptured in his abdomen and cancer. Sadly, the 8-year-old dog didn’t survive.
Victoria’s husband, Jonathan, is also a volunteer for the nonprofit organization. He emphasized that many pet owners in Skidrow lack the knowledge and resources to properly care for the animal.
“They don’t know how to treat dogs,” he said. “They aren’t looking for something specific that normal people look for because this (the environment) is not normal.”
Pitbulls can be found in cages around Skid Row in LA. Spring 2025 (KTLA) Two dogs can be seen tied up in posts around Skid Row in LA. Spring 2025. (KTLA)
While some dog owners appreciate help, Parker says many people refuse to help.
“They said, ‘Don’t worry, this is my dog. He’s fine. She’s fine,” she explained. Some people refuse to castrate or castrate their pets as they rely on selling puppies for their income.
Volunteers watch pregnant dogs give birth on the street without medical care, dogs are tied up and entangled with ropes, others are stuffed in small cages for days.
Some are left in the shadeless sun, beaten and abused. There have also been disturbing reports of drugs being tested in dogs before their owners use them.
Despite repeated calls to police, animal control and the District Attorney’s Office, supporters say they had little response even after viral videos surfaced on social media.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has issued a statement confirming that animal cruelty is a serious crime and that law enforcement is in charge of the initial investigation. Before filing a lawsuit, the case must be submitted to the DA’s office for legal review.
To raise awareness, we are holding a rally outside the Central Community Police Station at Los Angeles Police Station at 11am today Sunday.
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