The History of the Los Angeles Animal Services Department

    Be Kind To Animals takes place on May 2-8 yearly and is sponsored by the American Humane Association. This weekly event originated back in 1914. Robert Rush, General Manager, is open for interviews to discuss aspects of animals lives, as well as having photos taken in their five shelters for press releases. According to Rush, The purpose of Be Kind to Animals Week is to emphasize the responsibility that humans have towards the animals inhabiting the earth. Overall this program aims to connect humans and pets together and teach people to spread kindness. If people start being kind to their pets, then that kindness will spread towards other aspects of their lives. Be Kind to Animals Week has another purposes as well, which is being kind to one's neighbors and upholding "Good neighbor policy" (Be Kind to Animal Week Press Release (Item B.44.8)) This means that owners should be courteous of their neighbors and figure out why their dogs might be barking, putting them on leashes when need be, and getting them vaccinated to reduce the spread of diseases. A lot of people observe this week by adopting animals from shelters which is portrayed in several of these photos.

    In addition to the adoption that take place during this week, information sessions regarding proper care for the pets are also conducted. According to the general manager, " ' In too many cases, the animal is merely fed and sheltered, and that's the extent of its care. But, adds Rush, 'there's more to pet ownership responsibility' "(Be Kind to Animals Week Press Release 3 (Item B.35.46)). Therefore, the public is reminded to spay and neuter their animals to prevent unwanted offspring, license their pets to ensure the animal is able to found in the event that it is lost, and comply with the leash law to prevent any traffic hazards and neighbor complaints (Be Kind to Animals Week Press Release 3 (Item B.35.46)).

    The outcome of this campaign is crucial to the success of the Department, which explains why this program has occurred for over 57 years. It allows people to interact with the Department and get to know them on a personal level. It also encourages them to take care of their animals and adopt more of them, which ultimately reduces the stray animal populations.