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Long Beach and SPCALA: A Historic Partnership Ends
On February 24, the City of Long Beach announced the termination of its long-standing partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (SPCALA). This decision stems from serious allegations of persistent violations of contractual agreements that have plagued the organization’s operations at the city’s animal shelter for years.
Mayor Rex Richardson shared his thoughts on this critical change, expressing appreciation for the past partnership while highlighting the city's commitment to improve animal welfare. “While we appreciate aspects of our longstanding partnership with spcaLA, the time has come to embark on a new journey to better serve our animals and communities,” Richardson stated. The shift is aimed at enhancing the level of care provided to animals in the community and mitigating operational issues that had arisen due to SPCALA’s management.
Contract Violations in Question
City officials have outlined several violations attributed to SPCALA that have contributed to this decision. A major concern was the nonprofit’s control over more than 50% of the shared animal shelter premises, resulting in restricted space for the city’s own Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) operations. This has led to a backlog of animals, as the shelter consistently operated at full capacity, compromising the wellbeing of the animals housed there.
Additionally, SPCALA faced scrutiny for failing to provide required reports on animal adoptions, which are essential for ensuring transparency and accountability within city-operated facilities. The last report submitted by SPCALA to the city was dated back to April 1, 2020, highlighting a stark neglect of the city’s municipal code aimed at promoting responsible animal management.
Drastic Decline in Animal Adoption Rates
One of the most alarming statistics stemming from the partnership issue is the dramatic decline in the number of animals SPCALA has adopted out over the years. In 2011, the organization successfully found homes for 2,856 animals; however, by 2024, that number had plummeted to merely 76, reflecting a staggering decline of over 97%. As a direct consequence, LBACS has had to ramp up its own adoption initiatives to prevent overcrowding within the shelter.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Animal Care in Long Beach
The city has conveyed that SPCALA is required to vacate the shelter campus adjacent to El Dorado Regional Park within 30 days of the notice. City Manager Tom Modica reiterated the seriousness of the matter, stating that legal steps would be taken if SPCALA fails to comply by the March 26 deadline. “We did not make this decision lightly,” Modica emphasized, underscoring years of attempts to forge a functional, collaborative relationship with SPCALA for the greater good of the animals. With this separation, Long Beach aims to foster a healthier and more effectively managed environment for its sheltered animals.
Community Impact and Local Reactions
The termination of this partnership has generated diverse reactions within the Long Beach community. Animal advocates are cautiously optimistic about the potential for improved animal care, while some long-time patrons of SPCALA voice concerns about the fallout this decision may yield for the animals already in their care. The community’s response highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue and engagement in local animal welfare efforts.
The future for both Long Beach Animal Care Services and the animals that depend on them appears to be centered on accountability and improved standards of care. Moving forward, both city officials and animal advocacy groups call for a collaborative effort to enhance animal welfare across the city.
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