The Budget Hearings for the Los Angeles City Council took place on April 25, 2025, focusing on critical funding issues affecting various city services, particularly animal welfare. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding proposed budget cuts that could jeopardize animal shelters and services.

The session began with a passionate plea from a representative of animal services, who warned that budget reductions would endanger animals by closing shelters and diminishing care services. The speaker recounted a tragic incident involving a long-serving employee who was attacked by a dog that had not been exercised for 30 days, emphasizing that such events could be prevented with adequate funding and staffing. The representative stressed that the city has made substantial progress in animal care, but these advancements are fragile and could be undone by the proposed cuts.

Following this, several community members, including Kelly Holland, addressed the council. Holland raised concerns about the rising costs of veterinary care, which have increased by 200%. She pointed out that many veterinary clinics are owned by venture capitalists from outside Los Angeles, suggesting that the city could impose fees on these businesses to help fund local animal services. Holland expressed her commitment to advocating for animals, noting that they lack a voice in these discussions.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the budget impacts on animal welfare and a request for the council to explore alternative funding sources to support these essential services. The discussions underscored the urgent need for the city to prioritize animal care in its budget planning to prevent potential crises in the future.