Culver City Observer
January 24-30, 2008

Carson Animal Shelter Draws Protestors

About 20 protesters appeared at the Carson Animal Shelter in Gardena last Saturday to illustrate their unhappiness with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control's continued alleged treatment of animals in their care.

The Culver City Council recently reached a five-year agreement with the facility despite numerous requests from local residents to sever the relationship.

Culver Councilman Gary Silbiger was among the protesters, along with Carson Councilman Mike Gipson.

"Friends Of Culver City Animals have been complaining about cruelty against the animals at the Carson Shelter since May of 2004,' said Deborah Weinrauch, Director of the group.

It is the group's contention that Silbiger is the only Culver councilmember to support their stance.

On December 5 a 10-month-old puppy died at the Shelter and then Supervisor Yvonne Burke directed her deputies to meet with the Deputy Director of the Carson Shelter to review conditions.

''This meeting made it apparent that some personnel and infrastructure needs must be addressed," she said.

Burke then asked the Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors to investigate and at a Jan. 8 meeting the Board asked for more time. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8.

The Carson Shelter recently received $5 million for capital improvements.