Petition to Terminate Brenda Barnette, GM of LAAS

Earlier, we posted an article about squalid rabbit conditions in an unlicensed rabbit breeding operation, and the inaction of the Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS).  The Bunny World Foundation (BWF) and the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) have started a petition, calling for the termination of LAAS General Manager Brenda Barnette.

The BWF and CAPS worked to rescue 57 out of the 127 rabbits originally found at the breeding operation.  This brought the remaining number down to 70.  Now, at least one of the rescued rabbits have died.  She was severely underweight, and had broken ribs, calcification of her spine, and a large mass on her side.  The remaining rabbits still need help, but without the LAAS intervening, rabbit rescues cannot move further.

The LAAS claimed that they did not have room to acquire the rabbits, and ignored the offers of many rescues that offered to take them in.  Instead, they claimed that they have been making visits to the facility, and are giving the breeders more time to clean up the squalor.

On March 26, Brenda Barnette, General Manager of LAAS claimed that “the rabbits are fine where they are”.  Despite this claim, five rabbits were surrendered to LAAS, one of which was killed by LAAS, despite an officer stating to the rescue groups that none would be euthanized.  This brought the remaining number down to 65.

On April 26, LAAS has officially closed the case, and said that the remaining 40 rabbits have clean cages, food, and water.  This leaves 15 rabbits unaccounted for.  Rescue organizations are infuriated with the lack of transparency and action from the LAAS, and the irrational leniency provided to the breeders for their blatant cruelty and abuse.

The petition calls on the LAAS Board of Commissioners and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to terminate LAAS General Manager, Brenda Barnette, due to her negligence in action resulting in many lost animal lives.

Please sign this. Brenda Barnett doesn’t give a damn about the welfare of rabbits. MANY have died on her watch, when simply sending out the requested AC officer would have saved their lives.