Mayor Bass’s slew of planned budget cuts—which do not address exorbitant salaries of City Council members ($200,000+ yearly) or herself ($311,000+ yearly)--was to have included closing three animal shelters and laying off 62 employees. This would have meant “more dogs on the street, more innocent lives lost, and inhumane conditions at the remaining shelters,” protest organizers said.

On April 28, an estimated 400 animal advocates crowded in front of City Hall, occupying both sides of Main Street, many accompanied by small dogs. Participants were there “for the animals with no voice.” (There had been another protest on April 25 in front of the Van Nuys City Hall. Both organized by a coalition of animal advocacy groups.)

Signs included “cuts cost lives” “stop m/Bass murder,” “stop the kill—the system is broken,” “save our shelters,” “no budget for compassion,” and “increase funding 4 spay/neuter.” Chants included “hey-hey, ho-ho, these budget cuts have go to go!”

But by the end of the day, Bass announced that there had been some “confusion”--she was not, in fact, planning to cut animal shelters after all.

Pet Pardon (an app that facilitates animal rescue and adoption) stated, “While we’re relieved to hear this reversal, we must be honest: this clarification only came after immense pressure from advocates, rescue partners, and volunteers who spoke out.” (Pet Pardon: https://pet-pardon.com)

Meanwhile, Bass’s agenda still includes cuts to LADOT (Los Angeles Department of Transportation) (400 jobs at stake) and the Police Department (403 civilian jobs endangered). These issues were also addressed at Monday’s demonstration. Eyewitness News reported that all together, 1,600 jobs are on the line.



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Sources:

*City Council average salary: https://govsalaries.com/salaries/council-member-salary/los-angeles-ca

*Mayor Karen Bass’s salary: https://govsalaries.com/karen-bass-182801418