Pet Adoption Cost Lowered at 6 Shelters Saturday

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is celebrating its 75th anniversary by offering discounted pet adoptions at its six shelters Saturday, including the location nearest in Downey.

Anniversary celebrations will be held Saturday at each of the animal care centers, with the adoption fee lowered to $19.37 to honor the year the department was established. Typically fees range from $30 to $50, depending on how long an animal has been in a shelter.

Free refreshments will be served and the Laker Girls were to be visiting the Downey location sometime between noon and 1:30pm. It is at 11258 S. Garfield Ave. in Downey.

The other shelter locations taking part the discounted adoption day include:

• Agoura: 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura 91301
• Baldwin Park: 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park 91706
• Carson/Gardena: 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena 90248
• Castaic: 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Road., Castaic 91384
• Lancaster: 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster 93536

First named the "Pound Department" by the Board of Supervisors in 1937 at the height of a statewide rabies epidemic, the department is the largest animal control agency in the country, responding to several hundred service requests daily.

"We've gone from rabies control to a modern-day, full-service animal care and control agency," said Director Marcia Mayeda, citing progressive ordinances for mandatory spay/neuter and microchips for pets. "But the early departmental mission has remained intact: to protect the safety of the public and the animals of Los Angeles County."

More information is available at www.animalcare.lacounty.gov.