Stacey Daines has resigned as general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services after being on paid leave since August, Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed Monday.
A spokesperson for Bass told City News Service that Daines resigned effective Saturday. City officials did not explain the reason for her absence.
Annette Ramirez, who led Los Angeles Animal Services on an interim basis for a year and a half until Daines was appointed in 2023, began leading the department again in September.
Daines, who previously headed Long Beach’s animal services department, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Daines addressed volunteer issues during her tenure, but the department still faced overcrowding and other challenges at its six shelters, some of which had been plaguing the department long before she arrived. .
The changes are aimed at addressing an overcrowding crisis at shelters, which LA Animal Services says has led to assaults on staff. June 11, 2024 Tracey Leong reports for NBCLA.
About 1,224 dogs were euthanized from January to September, a 72% increase from the same period last year, according to a recent Los Angeles Times analysis. Approximately 1,517 cats were euthanized, also an increase of 17% from 2023.
The mayor’s office noted that approximately 25,000 animals have been adopted or rescued from six animal shelters in the city, an increase of 17% compared to 2023.
According to the LAAS website, there are 1,175 dogs at the shelter, or 159% over capacity. The shelter is designed to house up to 737 dogs.
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