Bass’ budget proposal for Animal Services is far less than what department requested

Dogs wait to be adopted in a cage at the Chesterfield Square Animal Services Center in Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed budget for the Los Angeles Animal Services department is facing pushback from city officials who want more funding for the troubled department. He also pointed to two recent reports — one by former City Councilmember Paul Koretz, the other from City Controller Kenneth Mejia — that detail Animal Services’ various problems, including a lack of employees. Appearing at Monday’s hearing, Annette Ramirez, Animal Services’ interim general manager, told Blumenfield and other council members that Bass’ proposed budget doesn’t include dozens of positions sought by the department. The mayor’s proposed budget for 2023-24 contains one additional regular position for the department, as well as 27 “resolution” positions, which are temporary positions that are later reassessed, said Bernyce Hollins, Bass’ senior budget director.