TARZANA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2024) — In a heartfelt show of community support for abandoned cats and dogs, In Defense of Animals' President Dr. Marilyn Kroplick presented $2,000 worth of essential supplies to the West Valley Animal Shelter yesterday. The donation, made possible through the Tarzana Neighborhood Council, arrived just in time to help the shelter manage the urgent needs of homeless animals, many of whom have been waiting for months to find their forever homes.

This event, which took place during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, spotlighted the alarming overcapacity of animal shelters across Los Angeles. With Los Angeles shelters operating at over 175% capacity and facing severe budget cuts, this donation provides critical relief. West Valley Animal Shelter staff expressed deep gratitude for the supplies, which will help ensure that cats and dogs receive the care and attention they need while they await adoption.

Mason enjoys cuddles and shines in doggy playgroups. Volunteers and staff alike hope Adopt a Shelter Dog Month will inspire a family to adopt him or another deserving animal. Photo: In Defense of Animals

Among the animals awaiting adoption is Mason (pictured above), a two-year-old neutered male dog. Described by volunteers as a “favorite,” Mason is a friendly, loving dog who enjoys playtime and walks but is equally happy to snuggle on the couch. He is excellent on-leash, both walking and running. He shines in playgroups with other dogs and is described as a “playgroup rockstar.” Volunteers and staff alike hope this event will inspire a family to adopt Mason or one of the many other deserving animals at the shelter. Anyone interested in adopting Mason can visit the West Vallley Animal Shelter or contact JeffMausner@gmail.com.

“West Valley Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams, currently operating at 175% over capacity, and its budget has been slashed, so the need for help is urgent,” said Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. “When the Tarzana Neighborhood Council approached us with the idea to partner up and get vital supplies to local abandoned animals, we immediately agreed. With shelters in crisis, we hope other neighborhood councils will follow their lead, partnering with nonprofits to support local shelters in need.”

Shelter volunteers Gina Fee, Jeff Mausner, and Michelle Cornelius with a tiny kitten who will benefit from new feeding supplies. Photos: In Defense of Animals

Jeffrey Mausner, a former U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor and Chair of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council’s Animal Welfare Committee, emphasized the importance of community action in this time of crisis. “This is a time for all of us to step up. Tarzana Neighborhood Council is proud to help the shelter animals of West Valley, and we’re encouraging other neighborhood councils to do the same. The animals depend on us.”

After the tremendous success of banning dog meat nationwide in South Korea in January 2024, Mausner, In Defense of Animals, and the Global Anti-Dog Meat Coalition are now working to ban Vietnam’s dog and cat meat trade, which brutally kills 6 million dogs and cats annually.

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CONTACT: Fleur Dawes, media@idausa.org (415) 879-6879

ORGANIZATIONS:

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 41-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org

West Valley Animal Shelter 

The Tarzana Neighborhood Council consists of unpaid volunteers elected by the people of Tarzana as part of the City Government of Los Angeles. Its purpose is:

• To promote public participation in City governance and the decision-making process, to make government more responsive to local needs and requests, and to create more opportunities to build partnerships with government to address local needs and requests.
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  To monitor and improve the delivery of city services and city government responses to problems and requests from Tarzana stakeholders.
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  To foster a sense of community for all people within Tarzana and provide a platform to express ideas and opinions about their neighborhoods and their government.
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  To be an advocate for Tarzana to government and private agencies.
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  To be a forum for discussion and review of community issues and projects.
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  To serve as an advisory board to City government.
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  To take any actions that are permitted by law.

The President of the Tarzana Neighborhood Council is Commissioner Leonard Shaffer. www.tarzananc.org

Tarzana Neighborhood Council’s Animal Welfare Committee is chaired by former U.S. Justice Department prosecutor Jeffrey Mausner, to represent the dogs, cats, and other animals of the San Fernando Valley. www.tarzananc.org/committees/viewCommittee/animal-welfare

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