Reopening West Valley Animal Shelter: Future Up In The Air

CHATSWORTH, CA—The Los Angeles Animal Services Department is proposing changes to the West Valley Animal Shelter and is seeking community input.

According to Los Angeles City Council Member John Lee, those changes could involve creating a community service center in partnership with non-profit rescue organizations to provide services to support pet ownership.

These services may include dog training, low-cost veterinary services such as spay/neuter, wellness exams, vaccinations, and micro chipping, Lee said. Volunteers would also have the opportunity to continue to serve at the proposed center.

"As council member, I understand the important role that the West Valley Animal Shelter holds in our community and for our animals," Lee said on his official Facebook page. "I have met with the department to advocate on behalf of the community to ensure that all voices have a fair chance to be heard before any decision is made."

In response to Lee's social media post, many constituents expressed support for the shelter remaining in operation and opposed possible measures to turn it over to a private group.

"I believe the majority of citizens in the valley want the west valley shelter to remain a city shelter. This is just another case of the valley not getting our fair share from the city. Why are they not talking about closing a shelter in downtown? If the shelter remains closed, I think the valley needs to start thinking about secession again. Seems like the valley is just a cash cow for Los Angeles," one person commented.

"We need this facility to open as full public animal shelter. This is the only shelter with AC for dogs, and the only shelter with horse stalls for fire evacuations. The valley is too large to have only one animal shelter, and residents of District 12 need their animal shelter as well," another person posted.

On social media, Friends of West Valley Animal Shelter has been critical of Brenda Barnette, the general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services Department, following a proposal she sent to Mayor Eric Garcetti on June 26.

"To support and assist with the city's large goal of ending institutional racism and injustice, the same work must be done in animal welfare to combat discrimination and inequality in animal services and to build programs and services that are accessible and welcoming to all," part of Barnette's proposal reads to the mayor. "We want to create services to support pet ownership so that having the love of a companion animal in your life does not become a matter of privilege."

According to Barnette's proposal, the cost to operate the West Valley Animal Center is $8.5 million annually and requires a staff of 45 people. Savings also generated by transitioning the animal center to a community resource center would not occur immediately but over time through attrition, she said.

The Los Angeles Animal Services Department is currently hosting a series of community meetings where the public will have the opportunity to receive more information as well as share opinions and concerns.

The first meeting is planned for Monday, Aug. 3; however, additional meetings are scheduled. The schedule is below: