Hold Marcia Mayeda accountable for all six LA County shelters
Marcia Mayeda, Director of Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, has continually violated the public trust by allowing her department to break department policy and procedure and state and federal law without holding anybody accountable. By signing this petition, you are demanding that the Los Angeles County CEO's office and Board of Supervisors hold Marcia Mayeda accountable.
If you are a tax paying citizen of Los Angeles County, CA, please state so in the comment section.
Marcia Mayeda, Director of Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control, has continually violated the public trust by allowing her department to break department policy and procedure and state and federal law without holding anybody accountable. By signing this petition, you are demanding that the Los Angeles County CEO's office and Board of Supervisors hold Marcia Mayeda accountable.
If you are a tax paying citizen of Los Angeles County, CA, please state so in the comment section.
On 12/03/2007, the news reported about the horrific and senseless death of a dog impounded by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control at the Carson Animal Shelter, under the management of Department Director Marcia Mayeda. That dog, Zephyr, died as a result of the Department's systemic neglect, mismanagement, and violations of its own policies and procedures, as well as both state and federal law. Nothing has changed. The report about Zephyr's death, including the lack of heat at the Carson shelter, generated as outpouring of support from the humane community. People brought hundreds of blankets and towels to the shelter for the health, safety and comfort of the animals. But, in another display of unimaginable incompetence, instead of providing those donated towels and blankets to the suffering animals, Department employees stored them outside in the rain, next to the freezer in which the bodies of dead animals (often infested with maggots) are kept. I have photographs depicting this atrocity. Furthermore, during this past weekend, volunteers photographed medications that should have been administered to the animals carelessly strewn on the shelter floor. And, not surprisingly, another dog died needlessly after being infected with a deadly disease because of the Department's simple failure to vaccinate him, as per Department policy. These and other egregious violations of Department policy and state and federal law have been repeatedly brought to the attention of Ms. Mayeda and other Department supervisors, who continue to consistently fail to hold those responsible accountable.
Photos demonstrating Department misconduct and mismanagement can be downloaded at http://strongcoders.com/LACDACC/LACDACC.zip.
Among other things, the Department has engaged and continues to engage in the following violations of Department policy and procedure and/or state law and/or federal law.
* Use and possession of illegal substances on County property (Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§841, et seq.,; California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Health & Safety Code §§11350, et seq.; LACDACC Substance Abuse Policy HR270)
* Routine failure to hold employees accountable for breaking department policy and procedure and state and federal law (LACBOS Employee Accountability Policy 9.020)
* Firing and suspending of employees and volunteers for bringing departmental misconduct to the attention of department heads (California Whistleblower Protection Act; LACBOS Retaliation for reporting fraud, waste or misuse of county resources prohibited Policy 5.02.060)
* Causing unnecessary suffering, sickness, and death due to the foregoing violations (Civil Code §§1834, 1846, 2080; Pen. Code §597; LACDACC Code of Conduct; LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140; LACDACC Sick and Injured Animals Policy OPF180)
* Not providing animals requiring veterinary/medical care with veterinary/medical care or stopping veterinary/medical care when veterinary/medical care is still required (Civil Code §§1834, 1846; LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140; LACDACC Sick and Injured Animals Policy OPF180)
* Routine failure to provide adequate nutrition, shelter, exercise and water and to treat animals kindly and humanely (Civil Code §§1834, 1846, 2080; Pen. Code §597; LACDACC Code of Ethics; LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140; LACDACC Kennel Responsibilities - General Duties Policy OPK130)
* Killing animals without first engaging in reasonable efforts to identify and locate the animal's owner or make the animal available for adoption to the public (Civil Code §§1834.4, 1846, 2080; Pen. Code §§597f, 597.1; LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120; LACDACC Impounded Animals with Traceable Identification Policy OPG150)
* Refusal to release animals scheduled to be killed for any reason other than irremediable suffering to a non-profit rescue organization that has requested custody of the animal (Food & Ag. Code §§31108, 311752, 31752.5, 31753, 31754; LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120)
* Not providing animals in clear need of emergency care with the necessary care (Civil Code §§1834, 1846; LACDACC Code of Conduct; LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140; LACDACC Sick and Injured Animals Policy OPF180)
* Failing to report violations of policy and procedure and wrongful euthanasia as per department policies and procedures (LACDACC Disciplinary Guidelines Policy HR131; LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120)
* Routine failure to vaccinate animals upon impound, isolate animals that are not vaccinated, and vaccinate animals who have been impounded for more than 15 days with a second dose of vaccines. (LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140)
* Routine failure to isolate sick animals away from the general population (LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140)
* Routine failure to perform an intake examination by the shelter RVT or veterinarian upon impound (LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140)
* Routine failure to scan animals for microchips upon impound and before euthanasia (Food & Ag. Code §§31107, 31108; LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120; LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140)
* Routine failure to medicate animals as prescribed and ensuring animals swallow their medication (Civil Code §§1834, 1846, and 2080; LACDACC Maintenance of Animal Health Policy OPK140; LACDACC Sick and Injured Animals Policy OPF180)
* Wrongful killing of animals (Food & Ag. Code §§31108, 31752, 31753, 31754; LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120; LACDACC Holding Time and Available Dates of Impounded Animals Policy OPG140; LACDACC Impounded Animals with Traceable Identification Policy OPG150)
* Killing live animals in front of dead animals and allowing dead animals to be in view of live animals (LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120)
* Routine killing of purebred animals without first contacting the appropriate breed rescues (LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120)
* The inaccurate classification of animals and killing those animals on the basis of the erroneous classification before the statutorily required holding period has expired (Food & Ag. Code §§31108, 31752, 31753, 31754; LACDACC Euthanasia Policy OPK120)
* Holding animals in areas of Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control shelters that are not accessible to members of the public (Food & Ag. Code §§31108, 31752, 31753, 31754)
* Failure to band animals with their impound number upon impound (LACDACC General Duties Policy OPK130)
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Ms. Mayeda not only failed to manage her department, but has done irreversible harm to LA County. This gross negligence is absolutely criminal. Just because you work for the local government, does not mean that you are not accountable.
I am a los angeles citizen and am outraged and Marcia Mayeda's conduct. she should be held accountable.
When I read about the proven, video-taped abuse at the LA DACC, I couldn't wait to sign the petition "Fire Marcia Mayeda" and hold her accountable for these abuses. She has no business being in charge of any organization that is supposed to care for abandoned animals that have already been through enough abuse. That the DACC neglects them and even physically hurts them further is unforgivable. Anyone who is human cannot help but be outraged.
Stop the abuse and penalize the perpetrators!
Someone needs to be held accountable for these abuses. If you do nothing then you are condoning these horrific actions--you must act!
I am a tax paying citizen of Los Angeles County, CA. Stop using my taxes to abuse these poor unfortunate homeless animals. Find someone who is able to do the job correctly.
Jim Brown
FIRE HER; THROW HER IN JAIL AND LOSE THE KEY! SHE IS A CRUEL, IMORAL, UNCARING WOMEN WHO SHOULD BE BARRED FROM EVER HAVING CONTACT WITH ANIMALS AGAIN FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE. SHE DESERVES 25 TO LIFE!
Fire her - she doesn't belong near animals, let alone in charge of this department. If she can't or won't do her job, it is time to find someone who can & will. The employees at Burger King serve burgers, if they don't, they get fired. And that's Burger King.... not a public office...
I am discusted by the abuses by employees at these shelters ! These are sweet innocent animals . Marcia Mayeda and the abusive employees should all be fined and fired ! Susan and Jesse Dumas
i am personally appalled at the superficiality and unprofessionalism in which Ms. Mayeda has presented and proved to be a part of her true character. One which, for being someone who is suppose to be an activist for animal rights as done almost the complete and total opposite. If Ms. Mayeda can not find anyone to take responsibility for the sorry state of the Los Angeles Animal Care and Control she should find address her position with some professionalism and assume the responsibility herself.
I have phoned them requesting they post photos of their animals on Petfinder. Why hasn't anything been done to protect the welfare of these wonderful animals. What are the rescue groups doing ? What is the law doing ? !!! Why isn't the facility accountable....where is your conscience ? Why are monsters allowed to make decisions ? What is taking so long?
When will this nightmare of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control end? The abuse of animals and power is disgusting. Hold this woman accountable or fire her. Enough is enough.
I am a resident of a small city that contracts with L.A. County Animal "Care"(hah!)and Control. I pay taxes to support this corrupt and inept county agency. The more I research, the more I become convinced that the problems are coming from those at the top. Marcia Mayeda should be held accountable. I am disgusted with her performance, her actions and what she has created at the county shelters. My heart felt thanks to the brave volunteers who are speaking out.
I have volunteered in LA shelters and often feel that the animals would stand a much better chance if they were just left to fend for themselves on the street. The shelters are like death camps. Too many petty politics and no true compassion. Some would not believe the bitter cruelty, disregard for policy and all out law breaking I have seen happen. It disgusts me. Many of the LA shelters are just hell for any animal. It blows my mind that this level of neglect and disregard for life it is allowed to happen. I can no longer be a volunteer because it seriously affected my mental health after witnessing illegal and cruel activity at the shelter.
I see first hand every week how horrific these shelters are. Sick, injured, dying, neglected, starved, and dirty animals are kept prisoners while the staff sit in there air conditioned office until it's time to go home to their comfortable beds. These animals are being tortured, why aren't more people signing this? Get it together people! sign your name, take care of these animals who have already been discarded like trash!
This woman and her "crew" are evil. ... ... ... “I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. ‘God, I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?’ God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. "I have done something," He replied. "I created You.”
I read all of the articles regarding the employee Felix Reyes and I would like to know what is the justification for his not being terminated. F.Y.I he should not only be terminated he should be arrested.
Please hold Marcia Mayeda accountable for her negligence and disrespect of the public. By holding Marcia Mayeda accountable, you are upholding the public trust and responsibly maintaining your position. Thank you.
LA shelters are really really badly run. I live here and have been to them all. It is very disgusting what is going on. Together we can all make a difference and it starts with Marcia Mayeda getting ousted.
YES I AGREE AS EVERYONE ELSE HOLD THIS INDIVIDUAL ACCOUTABLE FOR HER ACCIONS ASAP.
I am a taxpaying, hardworking LA County Citizen who is APPALLED at the County Shelter System. I have been appalled for 10 years (since I started rescuing). NOTHING has improved. Its all about accountability and leadership. Not spin. When oh when will Marcia actually DO SOMETHING for the animals under her care? How long must every animal wait? Why does she have this job? What has she done proactively to make a better shelter system? nada.
I am not a citizen of Los Angeles, CA. But I have read and heard far too may horror facts (not stories) that Marcia Mayeda has committed and covered up for her so called shelters. What the H---- kind of a person accepts a position such as hers and treats animals as she conducts, except for $$$$. I can only hope she will be held accountable for her horrifying methods of her so called "animal shelters". My understanding of the word "shelter" is to protect from danger. GOD HELP THOSE ANIMALS SENT TO THEM, LEFT ONLY TO SUFFER. Too bad the governor of California does not look into where all the tax money is going to, certainly not to the animals need. I agree with so many others that a criminal investigation and prosecution of all parties involved will finally lead to justice for all the four legged who have suffered at their deceitful minds and hands. Oh, yes - I thank God I do not live in Los Angeles simply because of this person who should never had the honor of this position.
I will not stop until Marcia Mayeda is out. Dustin was supposed to be mine. She runs a shotty system and many adoptable animals are being slaughtered. Is the county giving her incentives. The more animals she kills the bigger her paycheck is or is it she doesn't get paid enough to care. The county needs to step up, Too many people are concerned about this issue. Fire her!!!
i am a tax paying citizen in los angeles county. when my dog was lost i visited two of the county shelters and found the conditions DEPLORABLE. i have often wondered if my dog was killed at the carson shelter.
She is the head of the shelters in LA. If she cant do her job, which apparently she can not, fire her, and put someone that will do it properly with care and compassion. This is only a job for her, and to hold a position like what she has, you have to love animals, and do everything possible to humanely care for the animal. She does not have this in her. And if the people under her dont have it either, get rid of them also, and put people in there that will.
Someone needs to be accountable!
As a California taxpayer I am appalled at the continued support of the staff beginning with Ms. Mayeda at these shelters. They should be FIRED and consider themselves fortunate if they are not prosecuted. Enough is enough.
Animals are living, sensitive beings, and anyone who treats them as expendable and unimportant should be punished and removed from any position that entrusts them to his or her care. Unless we all speak out against abuse where we find it, nothing will change, and the abuse will continue. Please punish this woman for the abuses that take place under her watch!
The conditions of LA shelters are deplorable and worst yet, nothing is being done to make them safe havens for animals.
To to a job well you must care. This "person" is not performing and we should not stand for it as tax paying citizens.
WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE YOU STILL HAVE A JOB?! THIS IS WHERE OUR TAX DOLLARS ARE GOING?! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF. YOU WILL HAVE TO ANSWER FOR YOUR ACTIONS (AND INACTIONS) ONE DAY- IF NOT IN THIS LIFETIME THEN SURELY IN THE NEXT.
The actual purpose of the shelters has been lost, truly lost. These are jails for animals and they are being tortured each day. The gross statistics of the number of killings to adoptions is ridiculously embarassing. The shelters would be better off closed down completely, immediately, than being left to function at such an inhumane level. I am a Los Angeles citizen and taxpayer and want this to stop right now. So much is being spent to hurt the animals...so either change the name so that you are no lying to the taxpayers, or, start CARING for the animals...not just CONTROLLING them. THESE SHELTERS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN IN THEIR CURRENT STATE.
i am a tax paying citizen of los angeles county, ca.
STOP THE ABUSE!!! These are Gods creatures..
