The city of Los Angeles will have to pay $563,250 in penalties for failing to evaluate and correct overcrowding at its San Pedro shelter, among other violations, which led to a longtime employee being mauled by a dog, officials announced Tuesday.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued the fine and cited a total of six violations, including one general, two willful serious and three willful serious accident-related in nature.
Representatives for the Los Angeles Animal Services Department and Mayor Karen Bass did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Cal/OSHA found that LAAS had “significant safety and training lapses” resulting in employees of the Harbor shelter being placed in harm’s way.
“This incident underscores the severe consequences that arise when employers fail to take proper measures to protect their staff from preventable risks,” Debra Lee, Cal/OSHA chief, said in a statement. “While we cannot undo the harm caused, we can hold employers accountable.”
“Every employee deserves a workplace that prioritizes their health and safety,” Lee added.
The investigation also found that the department lacked adequate training for employees and supervisors in handling animals or using personal protective devices and lacked an effective communication system, which in turn delayed critical emergency response and treatment for injuries.
Cal/OSHA cited another attack on an LAAS employee that occurred on May 31, when a worker required hospitalization after a dog bit the worker’s leg. Kennel supervisor Leslie Corea suffered a “Level 5” bite, the second-most serious dog bite. A “Level 6” bite is one that causes death, animal department officials reported.
Brie, the dog who bit Corea, had entered the shelter 62 days prior to the incident as a stray and was struggling to adjust there. She was placed on the list for euthanasia, but was scheduled to see a private rescue group the day of the attack.
City Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the area where the shelter is located, called the incident “horrific and completely unacceptable.”
“No employee should be put in harm’s way while doing their job. I visited the victim in the hospital following the incident, and my thoughts continue to be with her,” McOsker said in an email to CNS.
“Overcrowding, inadequate staffing, and the lack of proper resources for workers are all deeply concerning,” he added. “My office has been in regular contact with the Department of Animal Services about the ongoing issues at the Harbor Animal Services Center.”
He expressed his commitment to working with LAAS, Bass and the city’s volunteers to fix the issues and ensure the safety of employees, volunteers and animals.
The city has taken steps to address overcrowding across its six animal shelters by hosting more adoption events, lowering adoption fees and partnering with outside organizations. Officials have also implemented new policies such as a moratorium on dog breeding permits in the city to prevent more animals from entering the system.
Additionally, the city allowed ownership of up to four animals, up from a previous limit of three in a single household.
Other measures are being explored to reduce overcrowding and improve the conditions for animals in the city’s care.
McOsker previously introduced a motion to remodel and repurpose a bird aviary located at the Harbor Shelter for more space for dogs. The proposal is set to be heard by the council’s Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee at a future date, according to the LA City Clerk’s file.