An animal welfare pilot program that investigates allegations of animal cruelty on Skid Row has become permanent, the Mayor’s Office has announced. The partnership between the Los Angeles Police Department and LA Animal Services provides intensive animal cruelty investigation training to officers while offering support and resources to responsible pet owners living on Skid Row.
The pilot program first launched in November 2025. Since then, more than 100 officers have received training, and several investigations have been made into the well-being of animals on Skid Row.
Alongside the program announcement, Mayor Karen Bass shared that the city, in partnership with leading animal welfare organizations, will hold monthly clinics on Skid Row to provide spay and neuter services, vaccines and microchipping services to animals.
“Our message is clear: If you abuse or neglect an animal, you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Bass said.
In a statement, Bass shared that the effort was personal — she has adopted multiple rescue dogs, and currently has two.
“I understand the special place that animals hold,” she said. “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 nonprofit 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.”
Since November 2025, the city has rescued dozens of animals, issued multiple citations and arrests and referred 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. This includes the June arrest of two suspects, Jefferson Valdivia and Rebeca Sarai Rodriguez, in connection with the illegal sale of animals in Santee Alley just south of Skid Row.
Alongside enforcement, the city has distributed pet food and essential supplies to over 200 pet owners on Skid Row.
“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.”