Pet food reserves depleted at spcaLA shelters
Los Angeles, CA — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is sounding the alarm: pet food supplies are depleting fast. Many factors – intakes from hoarding conditions, a rise in owner-surrendered dogs, and a proliferation of puppies – have caused a food shortage at Los Angeles’ oldest animal welfare agency. This holiday season, spcaLA is urging the community to donate funds or pet food.
Help pets like Riley
Adoptions have been steady at spcaLA’s three pet adoption centers, but the intake of homeless animals continues to rise to levels unseen. This year, the agency saw a 24% overall increase in dog intake, with the majority being large breeds. The number of puppies increased by 59%. The food crisis is compounded by a voluminous and prolonged kitten season which produced an 11% increase in the intake of kittens.
“Hunger is a topic front-of-mind for many in our community. Animals are not immune,” said Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. “Shelter pets come here hungry, malnourished, and often injured or sick. An essential part of their recovery is proper nutrition and feeding. We need help to keep them well-nourished and healthy.”
“For animals who are victims of abuse and neglect especially, food is integral in rebuilding the human-animal bond,” Bernstein continued. “Animals, formerly frozen in fear in the presence of people, begin to heal as they accept food from an outstretched hand.”
Ways To Help
Monetary Donations: Make a tax-deductible donation at spcaLA.com
Pet Food Donations: Shop and ship needed items from spcaLA’s wish lists or pick up a few items for shelter pets while out shopping this holiday season and drop-off to any spcaLA location during business hours. Information available at spcaLA.com/wishlist. The most needed items are canned dog food and dry cat & kitten food.
Spread the Word: Share the plea with friends, family, and on social media to raise awareness. Word of mouth makes a real difference!
Food donations that individuals and corporate donors provide prevents the agency from diverting funds from other critical programs, like animal cruelty investigations and violence prevention initiatives, to the purchase of food.
If you represent a pet food brand, pet supply store, or logistics company and would like to set up a donation of one or more pallets of food, please contact spcaLA at info@spcaLA.com or (323) 334-4485.
Since 1877, spcaLA has been a safe haven for countless abused and abandoned animals, providing nutrition, veterinary care, and rehabilitation. Donations make a significant impact on the lives of these animals ensuring they receive the care they deserve.
spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center:
12910 Yukon Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-3pm
spcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center:
7700 E. Spring St. (in El Dorado Park)
Long Beach, CA 90815
Wednesday-Sunday: 11am-3pm
spcaLA Pet Adoption Center & Administrative Office:
5026 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Monday-Sunday: 11am-3pm
spcaLA Marketplace:
7700 E. Spring St. (in El Dorado Park)
Long Beach, CA 90815
Wednesday-Friday: 9am-5:30pm
Saturday-Sunday: 9am-4:30pm