Now more than ever public services are needed: Pat Bryan, Ventura County Steward and Animal Control Officer knows first-hand the impact of job loss, foreclosures and a weak economy. The animal kennels in his California region are filled to capacity and in the past few months they've even been taking in horses. Recently, a Ventura County Star reporter and photographer spent the day with Bryan. Click here to read the full story.

Shelter officials across the U.S. say they are seeing more and more pets being brought in by their owners because they can't afford to care for their pets, or they have lost their homes and have to move to apartments or mobile homes that don't allow dogs or cats. In Los Angeles, for example, the number of dogs and cats turned in to the city's six animal shelters increased 14 percent to 55,742--the highest rate in five years, according to city data.

« Read more about SEIU Local 721 LA County animal workers here.
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