An animal rescue group is trying to bring attention to what they say is a crisis of dogs and cats being abused and neglected on Skid Row.
KNX News’ Emily Valdez joined Victoria and Jonathan Parker, the founders of Start sWith One Today, out on Skid Row Thursday, where they gave away dog and cat food to homeless pets. They said they try to come to the area at least two to three times a week.
“On Sundays, we feed and clothe around 250 to 500 people, animals and families,” Victoria said. “And then we also run the biggest animal rescue program in Skid Row as well.”
Victoria said they’ve seen several instances of animal abuse in the area.
“We've seen anything from dogs, again, dying from overdosing, dogs being shot, stabbed, dog fighting, dog being raped, dogs stuffed in crates in the hot sun,” she said.
Jonathan said the reason there are so many animals in the area is because they’re treated like currency.
“People use it to trade to make money,” he said.
The nonprofit is in need of foster families for the dogs they rescue.
KNX News has reached out to City Council member Ysabel Jurado.
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