Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced today the formalization of a permanent partnership between Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to investigate allegations of animal cruelty, including illegal breeding and animal sales, on Skid Row and surrounding areas. The partnership will also provide support and resources to responsible pet owners.
The permanent partnership formalizes a pilot program launched by Mayor Bass in November 2025 that has provided intensive animal cruelty investigation training to more than 100 LAPD officers to date.
In addition, Mayor Bass announced that monthly animal welfare clinics will be held on Skid Row in partnership with leading animal welfare organizations. The clinics will provide spay and neuter services, vaccinations, microchipping and other resources.
Mayor Bass visited Skid Row last week with Animal Services General Manager Gabrielle Amster, an Animal Control Officer representative and members of Women United for Animal Welfare (WUFAW).
“Our message is clear: if you abuse or neglect an animal, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Mayor Bass. “Over the years, I have adopted multiple rescue dogs. I currently have two, and a third just passed away after 12 years. I understand the special place that animals hold. The formalization of this partnership is about targeting animal abusers while ensuring responsible pet owners have the support they need to care for the animals they love. Not only are we making our pilot program permanent, we’re bringing regular spay and neuter services to Skid Row and building strong partnerships with non-profit groups to deliver real solutions. We know there is more work to do – we are committed to doing the work and grateful for our partners in those efforts.”
“I want to thank Mayor Bass for leading these efforts. The Animal Services and LAPD initiative combines enforcement with compassionate outreach,” said Animal Services General Manager Gabrielle Amster. “Partners like WUFAW are already providing the spay and neuter access communities like Skid Row need, meaning fewer animals born into crisis, and more pets staying with the people who love them instead of in our shelters.”
Since the partnership launched, it has resulted in the rescue of dozens of animals, multiple citations and arrests, and referrals of potential animal abuse and cruelty cases to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for review.
The City has also distributed pet food and essential supplies to more than 200 pet owners while connecting them with veterinary care and spay and neuter resources.
The permanent partnership includes several components designed to combine animal cruelty investigations with assistance for pet owners.
Dedicated Personnel
LAPD officers and investigators have received intensive training focused on animal cruelty and are assigned to work directly with a dedicated Animal Control Officer. Investigations are supported by Central GIT, an LAPD specialized unit with experience coordinating comparable initiatives.
Strategic Investigation
Investigators use a variety of methods, including electronic and physical surveillance and the execution of search warrants, to support the efficient and thorough collection of evidence.
Uniform Enforcement
LAPD and Animal Services will operate under a consistent, unified approach to investigating potential animal cruelty and neglect on Skid Row.
Accountability
LAPD and Animal Services personnel escalate incidents to the City Attorney and District Attorney for prosecution when appropriate.
Immediate Relief
Alongside enforcement efforts, trained officers work with local organizations to identify opportunities to provide immediate assistance to pet owners in need. Resources include food, leashes, bowls, beds and other essential supplies.
In June, the LAPD Operations Central Bureau arrested two suspects, Jefferson Valdivia and Rebeca Sarai Rodriguez, in connection with the illegal sale of animals in Santee Alley in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles, just south of Skid Row.
Valdivia and Rodriguez were taken into custody during a coordinated enforcement operation involving Central Vice officers, the Central Gang Enforcement Detail, Central RESET officers and Northeast Vice officers.
The permanent partnership between LA Animal Services and LAPD will continue the investigative work established through the pilot program while expanding access to veterinary services and other resources for pet owners on Skid Row and in surrounding areas.
