The Greater Valley Glen Council wants to end the killing of the 30,000 – 50,000 shelter dogs and cats per year at city animal shelters without costing the city of Los Angeles any money. Over time, this proposal will actually save taxpayer dollars. This is an achievable goal, as evidenced by the success in San Francisco.

1. Each Los Angeles neighborhood council should elect a Director of Animal Welfare (DAW) to assist with animal issues in the area while the city gets the central plan in place. The DAW could, for example, arrange for periodic Animal Care Fairs in which the city's spay/neuter van visits the area.

2. A nonprofit should be established and an application made for at least $20 million in Maddie's Fund money. Maddie's Fund could potentially provide this money, as long as the nonprofit also raises $20 million (over the 10 year time period for completion of the Maddie's Fund plan). Many areas are currently using Maddie's Fund money to become "no-kill," such as the state of Utah, New York City, and counties in Florida and Arizona. 

3. Individuals should be located to head up the two prongs of the Maddie's Fund program. Nathan Winograd might agree to lead the pet adoption process, and Bob Goldman and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) might agree to lead the spay/neuter process.

4. A nonprofit bank account should be opened so donation can be secured. Volunteers should begin the fundraising process.

5. Local legislation should be drafted so that he three, vacant, city animal shelters are available for the nonprofit to use during the transition. The legislation would merely postpone the sale of these facilities until a later date.

6.  As a backup, various organizations and individuals have agreed to assist the city with the transition. A written commitment  should be obtained from these organizations and individuals.

7. A new ordinance to put the "increased license fee ordinance" on hold (until the conclusion of the process) should be passed by the City Council as soon as the city receives a firm written commitment from Maddie's Fund for the $20 million.

8. After the conclusion of the Maddie's Fund program, if there are problems finding homes for pit bulls or pit bull-type dogs (as has been the case in Northern California, the only locality to complete the Maddie's Fund process), the City Council should consider passing a pilot program, requiring micro-chipping and sterilization of breed(s) deemed "highly un-adoptable".

There are additional suggestions at the conclusion of our proposal that can better life for the animals and decrease taxpayer costs during the transition. I hope our proposal will be of assistance. If you have any questions, or need phone numbers or other details, please contact Charlotte Laws at (818) 781-5280.

Thank you,