LA Animal Shelter Faces Food Crisis as Big Dogs Flood Shelters
Los Angeles’ spcaLA is facing a critical situation: its shelves are practically bare, threatened by an influx of hungry, large-breed dogs. With bowls emptying faster than they can be filled, the organization is urgently appealing for food and monetary donations to keep their furry residents fed.
A Summer Surge of Canine Companions
Over the past few months, spcaLA has experienced a surge in Huskies, Shepherds, and other larger dog breeds. “We’ve had a big summer with a lot of really big dogs, and honestly they are just eating us out of house and home,” said Miriam Devonport, the vice president of spcaLA. The shelter is currently hosting an average canine weight of nearly 50 pounds, creating a significant appetite challenge.
A Local Effort to Care for Local Animals
Unlike national organizations, spcaLA operates independently without a national headquarters to rely on for additional supplies.
“We’re right here in Los Angeles, and we’ve been here for almost 150 years. We need your help,” Devonport emphasized, highlighting the organization’s deep roots in the community it serves.
Feeding the Furry Community: Every Donation Makes a Difference
spcaLA typically needs 33 tons of food every year to sustain its shelter animals. With the current demand exceeding their supply, the organization is open to all types of donations: dry and canned dog food, as well as monetary contributions to purchase pet food.
Donations can be conveniently made by visiting any of spcaLA’s pet adoption centers during business hours. For those who prefer online giving, spcaLA has created wish lists on Amazon and Walmart, allowing donors to order food directly and ship it to the shelter.
For more information on how to donate and support your local animal shelter, please visit here</a
Considering the differences in scope and resources between local organizations like spcaLA and national organizations like the ASPCA, how can a more equitable and lasting system of support be established for animal shelters across the country?
Today we’re joined by Miriam Devonport, vice president of spcaLA, to discuss the unbelievable demand on their shelter this summer. Miriam, thanks for joining us. Can you tell us more about the challenges spcaLA is facing right now and what you need from the community?
Given that spcaLA is a local, independent association, do you think it’s fair for them to appeal only to their local community for help when other organizations, like the ASPCA, operate nationally? Is this a burden local communities should bear, or is there a need for larger, national organizations to step in and support local shelters?
