The Department of Animal Services and the Los Angeles Police Department will partner to investigate allegations of animal cruelty, illegal breeding and animal sales on Skid Row, Mayor Karen Bass announced Wednesday.
The Mayor’s Office said the partnership between the two city departments formalizes a pilot program launched in November 2025, which has provided animal cruelty investigation training to more than 100 officers so far.
The initiative will provide the following:
— A dedicated team of sworn officers and investigators who will work directly with an animal control officer.
— Strategic investigation, or the use of broad investigative methods such as electronic and physical surveillance, and the execution of search warrants to collect evidence.
— Accountability by having officers and LAAS personnel forward cases for review to city and county attorneys for prosecution.
— Immediate relief by supporting pet owners in need with food, leashes, bowls and beds.
Bass also announced the launch of monthly animal clinics on Skid Row to provide spay and neuter services, vaccines, microchipping and other services. These clinics will be conducted by leading animal welfare organizations.
The announcement came a week after Bass visited Skid Row alongside new Los Angeles Animal Services General Manager Gabrielle Amster and members of Women United for Animal Welfare.
“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. “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,” Bass added.
The mayor said the partnership between the LAPD and LAAS is about targeting animal abusers while ensuring responsible pet owners have the support they need to care for the animals they love.
“The Animal Services and LAPD initiative combines enforcement with compassionate outreach,” Amster said in a statement. “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 initiative began last year, it has led to dozens of animal rescues, multiple citations and arrests. Some cases have also been referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for review, according to the Mayor’s Office.
The Mayor’s Office said the LAPD’s Operations Central Bureau arrested two suspects in June related to allegations of illegal sale of animals in Santee Alley, a notorious haven for breeding and illegal animal sales in downtown’s Fashion District.
Police identified the two suspects, Jefferson Valdivia and Rebeca Sarai Rodriguez, who were taken into custody during a coordinate enforcement operation.