News Conference: PETA to Release Records on Mayor Bass’ Failure to Stop Skid Row Animal Abuse

For Immediate Release:
September 22, 2026

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has made bold claims that under her direction, authorities are cracking down on animal abuse on Skid Row—so PETA decided to find out exactly what has been done. At a press conference on Thursday, PETA will release newly obtained public records revealing the lack of law enforcement presence in Skid Row and the exaggerated claims from Bass’ office. Armed with images of dogs languishing on Skid Row, representatives from PETA and local rescue organization Starts With One Today will discuss the suffering that continues in plain sight—and what the city’s own records reveal about its response.

“While officials mislead the public about enforcement efforts, sick and injured dogs on Skid Row are trapped in an endless nightmare of neglect and suffering while breeding more dogs into this miserable existence,” says PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange. “Breeding, cruelty-to-animals and chaining laws exist to help animals and should be applied to all LA citizens whether they live in Beverly Hills or on Skid Row, and that’s simply not happening.”

When:            Intersection of 5th Street and Towne Avenue, Los Angeles

Where:           Thursday, September 24, 1:30 p.m.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Note: PETA supports animal rights, opposes all forms of animal exploitation, and educates the public on those issues. PETA does not directly or indirectly participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office or any political party.