Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Friday named a veteran animal welfare services executive to oversee the city's animal shelters, which have been criticized for overcrowding and inhumane treatment of animals.
Gabrielle Amster was director of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace from 2021 to 2025 and is credited with increasing adoptions and improving access to spay and neuter services, according to the mayor's office. His appointment must be confirmed by the City Council.
If confirmed, Amster will run one of the largest shelter systems in the country, with six animal shelters and animal control officers caring for approximately 60,000 animals each year.
“Gabrielle Amster has spent nearly two decades advancing innovative approaches to animal welfare, building strong teams, and improving life-saving outcomes,” Bass said in a statement. “I am confident that he will bring strong leadership and vision for the future that will strengthen the department and improve services for both animals and the communities that care for them.”
Amster declined to comment when reached by phone Friday, but said in a statement issued by the mayor's office that she looked forward to providing “the highest level of care” to the animals. “The people and pets of Los Angeles deserve every opportunity to thrive together,” the statement said.
Prior to working for Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, Amster was executive director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and served on the board of directors of the California Animal Welfare Association.
Previous Animal Services Director Staycee Dains resigned amid criticism in 2024. Annette Ramirez currently leads the department as interim general manager.
Among the challenges Amsterdam will face is a rising euthanasia rate. In the first two months of this year, 284 dogs were euthanized in city shelters, a 39% increase compared to January and February 2025, despite a 6% decrease in dog intake.
Volunteers and community members have expressed concerns to the Animal Services Commission about poor conditions causing stress in kennels or deteriorating behavior of animals within the shelter, sometimes leading to euthanasia.
