January is often seen as a fresh start — a clean page, a reset, a moment to look ahead with intention. In animal welfare, however, January also reminds us of something important: the calendar may change, but the responsibility to protect animals does not.

One of the most important duties of our department’s officers is protecting animals from animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect. Animal cruelty is more than an ethical concern — it is a serious crime under California law. The state’s animal protection statutes are among the strongest in the nation. Understanding what legally constitutes animal cruelty helps the public recognize abuse, prevent suffering, and act when animals are in danger.

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care & Control (DACC) was recently honored to receive a coveted Top 10 Award from the Los Angeles County Quality & Productivity Commission (QPC) at their 38th Annual Productivity & Quality Awards ceremony on October 15, 2025. This prestigious award was for DACC’s outreach initiative, Vet@ThePark.

Every Thursday at the Los Angeles County Animal Care Center in Downey, Calif. the sound of clippers hums through the grooming room. At one station, a young man leans gently over a small terrier, murmuring softly as he brushes out the dog’s tangled fur. Not long ago, this same man was working to rebuild his life after incarceration. The terrier, once matted and frightened, is in the process of learning to trust people through receiving a pain-relieving and rejuvenating bath and haircut.

In last month’s blog I explained the similarities and differences between animal control officers and humane officers, and how their powers intertwine with police and sheriff deputies. Building on this information, let’s look at how the law allows us to help animals that are abused or neglected.

Enforcing laws protecting animals and people is a fundamental duty of animal control officers (ACOs) and humane officers (HOs). In most cases police and sheriff departments focus on more human-related crimes and defer the animal-related crimes to ACOs and HOs for resolution. Sometimes our officers are asked by residents, who are unaware of the scope of their powers, to perform enforcement actions that are either not legal or outside their authority. ACO and HO authority can differ from traditional law enforcement. Here is an explanation on how ACOs and HOs protect our animals and our communities.

Finding help for animals in Los Angeles County can be confusing. There are more than 14 animal care and control agencies and humane societies, each serving specific jurisdictions. Some operate multiple animal shelters. Each is limited to enforcing laws within their designated jurisdiction, but animals don’t understand jurisdictional boundaries and can wander into the next jurisdiction where their families won’t look for them.

Understanding Saves Lives: The Power of Language in Animal Care and Control When we think about animal care and control, our minds often go to animal rescue, pet adoptions, or enforcing laws regarding animal ownership. But one crucial component often gets overlooked: language access. Ensuring that people can communicate effectively with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), regardless of the language they speak, is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of public safety and animal welfare.

Los Angeles County Code Title 10 regulates the keeping of animals in Los Angeles County. Sections of this code control the breeding of dogs to reduce dog overpopulation and euthanasia, enhance public safety, and ensure the humane treatment of the dogs. Title 10 is enforced in all unincorporated County areas, as well in the 45 cities that contract with DACC for animal care and control services.

As we navigate an ever-changing financial landscape, we at the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) remain committed to serving both the animals in our care and the pet owners who rely on our services.