LOS ANGELES – Mayor Karen Bass issued the following statement after the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to confirm Staycee Dains as General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services on Friday:
“I want to thank the members of the City Council for their thoughtful consideration of Staycee Dains as General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “My appointment of Ms. Dains was not a decision I made lightly, as I know there is much work to be done to ensure that all animals are cared for compassionately and responsibly across the City. I believe she will establish a clear and shared vision guided by industry standards and best practices to continue developing the department to help us realize our goal of making Los Angeles Animal Services into a 21st century model for humane and successful animal care and resident services.”
Dains brings extensive experience to the position as a leader in animal welfare. Read more about her history and past success here.
“I am delighted and humbled at being selected as General Manager of Animal Services for the City of Los Angeles,” said Staycee Dains. “We have difficult and great work ahead. I am eager to begin, alongside those who faithfully serve Los Angeles as staff, volunteers, community partners and City officials. Together we can make Los Angeles the most humane City in the nation.”
Members of the animal welfare community showed support of the City Council’s confirmation of Staycee Dains as General Manager of Animal Services:
“Los Angeles is facing numerous animal welfare challenges,” said Steven Latham, creator of the Emmy Award-winning series Shelter Me. “It is encouraging that improving the lives of our homeless pets is a priority for Mayor Bass. Her appointment of Staycee Dains demonstrates a commitment for progressive leadership to make sure our animal shelters are reflective of L.A. as a world-class City.”
“Under Staycee’s leadership, Long Beach Animal Care Services has been able to accomplish more than at any time in our history, including record-breaking lifesaving and community engagement, especially for the most vulnerable populations of people and animals. We are grateful to have had Staycee at the helm,” said Brent Dennis, Director of Parks, Recreation & Marine for the City of Long Beach. “We are confident she will bring the same spirit of inclusivity and compassion to LAAS. While she will be missed, she has set us up for success well into the future.”
“Staycee is a leader who cares about making a difference to influence lifesaving and life-impacting outcomes,” said Melanie Sadek, a certified animal welfare administrator (CAWA), President, Valley Humane Society, and President, California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals). “She has high integrity and prefers honesty, openness, and directness. She challenges common thinking, and provides outside-the-box ideas to improve lives for animals and people. I can’t imagine a more committed person for this role and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new capacity.”
After a series of meetings with animal rights advocates and L.A. Animal Services volunteers, a nationwide search was launched to improve the level of care at the City's animal shelters, increase adoption rates and enforce responsible pet care. Dains will begin her position on July 3rd.
Read quotes about Staycee Dains from Congressman Robert Garcia, former Mayor of Long Beach, Jennifer Naitaki, Senior Director of Programs of Michelson Found Animals Foundation, Gabrielle Amster, Director of Annenberg PetSpace and Christi Metropole, CEO of Stray Cat Alliance here.