8legs: Los angeles animal services

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Longtime animal welfare executive named to lead L.A.'s Animal Services

Gabrielle Amster was named by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as the new general manager of Animal Services, with City Council confirmation awaited.
Amster previously led the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace from 2021 to 2025 and is credited with increasing adoptions and improving access to spay and neuter services.
If confirmed, Amster will oversee one of the country's largest shelter systems, with six shelters and about 60,000 animals handled yearly.
Bass criticized ongoing shelter issues, including overcrowding and concerns about animal welfare, which Amster will confront in her new role.
Amster said she looks forward to providing the 'highest standard of care' for animals in a statement released by the mayor’s office.
Staycee Dains resigned as Animal Services director in 2024, with Annette Ramirez serving as interim general manager prior to Amster’s appointment.
The department faces a rising euthanasia rate, with 284 dogs euthanized in the first two months of this year, a 39% increase from the previous year.
Volunteers and community members have voiced concerns about kennel stress and animal welfare inside the shelters.
Bass’s appointment aims to bring steady leadership and a forward-looking vision to strengthen the department and improve services for animals and communities.
The mayor’s office noted Amster’s background includes leadership at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and California Animal Welfare Assn.

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