News
Boks Steps Down and Asks L.A. to Step Up
April 29, 2009, 1:55PM MT
By Carrie Jones
LAAS General Manager Tenders Resignation to City
LAAS General Manager Tenders Resignation to City
After 3 ½ years as director of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, Ed Boks resigned from the often controversial position in a move that he hoped would unify, rather than divide, the L.A. humane community.
The General Manager’s parting words included a plea to L.A. residents to keep their focus on the animals and work together towards the goal of creating a “No-Kill” city.
His five-step call to action spoke directly to current (and future) pet-owners of L.A.:
1. If you have a pet, spay or neuter your pet. It is now the law.
2. If you can help someone who can't afford to spay and neuter their pet, go to LAspay.org and make a donation to help provide spay/neuter surgeries.
3. Ask your friends, colleagues and employers to match your donation.
4. If you have room in your home and your heart for a pet, adopt one from your local shelter.
5. If you love your pet, license your pet. The number one reason pets die in shelters is because we can’t find their owners.
Read Ed Boks resignation letter to the Mayor here.
While serving as General Manager of LAAS, Boks sought to develop and implement mandatory spay/neuter programs designed to make Los Angeles the first major metropolitan “No-Kill” city in the United States. Also under his management, the city of Los Angeles established the first comprehensive requirements for animals used in entertainment just last year in an attempt to protect animals from exploitation.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa released a statement of appreciation for Boks' service:
"Under his leadership, this city has revamped the way we treat and care for our pets and animals. The `no kill' policy has become a central component of our animal services strategy. Pet adoptions are up and shelters have expanded at a rapid rate. And `spay and neuter' has become more than just a call to action; it is the law in Los Angeles."
Boks' resignation takes effect on June 30 with Assistant Director Katy Davis appointed as interim director until Villaraigosa finds a replacement.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To learn more about local spay/neuter and adoption programs, visit L.A. Animal Services.
Posted by Carrie Jones, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Photo courtesy of Photos8.com
Sources: L.A. Times, Daily Breeze