The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $563,250 in penalties to Harbor Animal Services Center (A department of the City of Los Angeles that provides animal services and volunteer opportunities for people who live in the city of Los Angeles) based in San Pedro, California, for failing to evaluate and correct overcrowding at their animal shelter, which resulted in animal attacks and bites on employees.

An employee was mauled on May 31, 2024, and according to Cal/OSHA it was due to the employer’s (the City of Los Angeles) willful violations of safety regulations. Kennel supervisor Leslie Corea was attacked by a pitbull mix that day after opening the dog’s cage for a rescue group. According to a report by Fox 11, he dog isn’t new to the the Harbor shelter and neither is Corea. She’s spent 24 years at the city shelter.

Her right leg was severely damaged and she needed extensive physical therapy and unfortunately, the dog was euthanized. Workers said the attack spotlights the growing crisis of overcrowding at local shelters because of illegal breeding, COVID returns, housing restrictions and situations like this.

L.A. Animal Services acknowledged the severity of the attack and issued the following statement, “LA Animal Services has already launched an investigation into this incident. Due to the open investigation status of this incident and to protect the privacy of the staff involved, no further details are available at this time.”

Cal/OSHA, found that the employer had significant safety and training lapses, which put employees of Harbor Animal Services Center in harm’s way and resulted in a serious injury to the worker, whose leg was badly mauled, requiring hospitalization.

What Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said: “This incident underscores the severe consequences that arise when employers fail to take proper measures to protect their staff from preventable risks. While we cannot undo the harm caused, we can hold employers accountable. Every employee deserves a workplace that prioritizes their health and safety.”

Cal/OSHA has cited Los Angeles City Animal Services operating as Harbor Animal Services Center for six violations, including one general, two willful serious, and three willful serious accident-related in nature. Cal/OSHA’s key findings of the employer’s failure to protect its employees included:

– – Overcrowding of Animals: The employer failed to evaluate and mitigate risks caused by overcrowding, which led to employee injuries from animal attacks.
– – Inadequate Training: Employees and supervisors received insufficient training in handling animals or using personal protective devices.
– – Personal Protective Equipment: Proper assessment and provision of personal protective equipment were not conducted.
– – Emergency Communication: The lack of an effective communication system delayed critical emergency response and treatment for injuries.

Representatives for the Los Angeles Animal Services Department, Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the area where the shelter is located, did not immediately respond to a request by Fox 11 for comment.

Cal/OSHA Cites City of Los Angeles Animal Services Center $563K