Barger Brings Urgency to Solving Canine Euthanasia Crisis in Antelope Valley

Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger read-in a motion at the conclusion of the Board of Supervisors meeting to urgently address the overcrowding crisis impacting animal shelters in the Antelope Valley.

The County’s Lancaster and Palmdale Animal Care Centers have the highest canine euthanasia rates in comparison to other centers in the County, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

“We are feeling the pressure on multiple fronts,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Our County shelters are struggling to find forever homes for the dogs in our County’s shelters due to an uptick in intakes. This is compounded by limited kennel spaces in our Palmdale shelter. We need to find creative ways to do better in our Antelope Valley shelters. I don’t want excuses – I want solutions.”

Supervisor Barger noted during her remarks several anecdotal causes for the overcrowding, ranging from individuals driving to the desert to dump their unwanted pets to families not being able to afford dogs adopted during the pandemic or unable to care for them due to decreased virtual work options.

The motion directs the Los Angeles County’s Chief Executive Office, the Department of Animal Care and Control, and the Department of Public Works to report back in 60 days with short-term solutions that will add more care capacity to the Palmdale Animal Care Center. This includes exploring the use of pre-fabricated or temporary kennels on-site, as well as the use of nearby off-site facilities.

The motion also directs the County’s Department of Human Resources to perform an evaluation of current staffing and vacancies in Antelope Valley shelters and report back in 60 days with recommended strategies to fill and retain qualified candidates.

The Department of Animal Care and Control will also, among other directives specified in the motion, examine and improve its communication and outreach to adoption partners, rescue, and foster organizations.

Supervisor Barger noted and thanked the efforts of volunteers working in North County shelters. “I want volunteers to know that I see your passion for the animals you tend to and appreciate your commitment and support,” said Supervisor Barger. “I hear you and know about the concerns you share with my staff. Your work is difficult, but we need you. I ask that you continue working with our Department of Animal Care and Control and continue communicating with my office. You’re essential to our community’s capacity to support our most vulnerable animals.”

Supervisor Barger also shared about her plans to allocate discretionary funds to provide no-cost spay and neuter services in the Antelope Valley and in Castaic in the new year.

The motion was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors. A copy of it can be found here.