Why Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces new reports of dog abuse on Skid Row and city money problems

Reports show dogs on Skid Row are being sold or hurt, which is a big change from what the city says. Experts say this is a major animal safety crisis.
By Newsroom | Government, Los Angeles |

This investigation looks into recent reports regarding the treatment of animals on Skid Row and ongoing questions about the office of Mayor Karen Bass. Current reports from animal advocacy groups suggest a pattern of neglect and illegal trade of dogs in specific parts of the city. At the same time, the Mayor’s office says these animals are not being mistreated. These claims appear alongside legal documents that suggest problems with how the city manages money and legal deals. The central tension lies between the city's official statements and the direct observations made by field reporters and community groups.

Timeline of Events and Primary Actors

The following timeline and list of actors provide a foundation for the current situation in Los Angeles:

  • Late 2024 – Early 2025: Lawsuits are filed to open secret warrants regarding a money scheme involving the City Attorney’s Office.

  • January 2025: Reports link the Mayor's name to a case involving USC and former council members.

  • June 2025: Legal experts and former officials begin publicly questioning the "integrity" of the local government following "hush money" claims.

  • February 2026: Investigative reporter Julio Rosas and the group Starts With One Today release findings on dog abuse on Skid Row.

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ActorRole / Connection
Karen BassMayor of Los Angeles
Julio RosasInvestigative reporter tracking Skid Row events
Starts With One TodayAnimal advocacy organization working on Skid Row
Marilyn FlynnFormer USC Dean linked to scholarship and legal scandals
George GascónFormer District Attorney who commented on trust in officials

Evidence of Animal Welfare Concerns

Recent reports from the field describe a difficult situation for animals in the Skid Row area. Evidence presented by advocacy groups includes:

  • Reports of dogs being used for trade or illegal sale within homeless encampments.

  • Direct observations of physical neglect that contradict the Mayor’s public statements.

  • Claims that law enforcement is not allowed to use animal abuse laws in certain parts of the city.

"Karen Bass saying animals on Skid Row are not neglected is a lie and everyone knows it. But we refused to let go of our dogs." — Advocacy report from Starts With One Today.

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The evidence suggests a gap between what the city says is happening and what people on the street see every day. Is the lack of law enforcement a result of a specific policy choice, or a lack of city resources?

The Mayor’s administration has also dealt with several legal challenges related to how money and favors are handled.

The USC and Scholarship Case

Court filings from early 2025 suggest that the Mayor was involved in a situation where scholarships were used in exchange for political favors. While her name was hidden in some documents, news reports from the Los Angeles Times later confirmed her identity in these files. This case involves Marilyn Flynn, a former dean at USC, and claims of "legalized corruption."

Watch: LA Mayor Bass' Complicity in the Abuse, Trafficking and Death of Dogs on Skid Row Exposed - 1

Hush Money and Extortion Claims

In June 2025, reports surfaced regarding secret warrants. These documents were part of an investigation into an extortion scheme.

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  • Some experts call these actions "extortion" because they involve using money to keep people quiet about city business.

  • Critics argue that these actions "erode the public’s trust."

Policy and Security Conflicts

There is a clear disagreement regarding how the city should handle crime and safety.

  • Federal Intervention: Reports from late 2025 indicate tension between the city and federal forces. Mayor Bass has expressed concern about federal groups entering the city to handle homelessness and crime.

  • Emergency Response: During the California wildfires, the Mayor was accused of having a "weak reaction." There are also claims that she "defunded" groups responsible for fighting fires.

  • International Ties: Some investigators have highlighted her frequent trips to Cuba and her history with specific political groups, suggesting these past actions influence her current way of leading.

Expert Analysis

Experts who study government and law have weighed in on these events. They focus on two main areas: the rule of law and the health of the city's leadership.

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On Government Integrity:Former District Attorney George Gascón stated that certain behaviors in the Mayor's office "undermine the integrity of our government." This suggests that even if some actions are technically "legalized," they may still hurt how people feel about their leaders.

On Animal Welfare Policy:Reporters like Julio Rosas argue that the city has created a "lawless zone." This means that laws are written on paper but not used in real life. Investigators are asking: If the city does not enforce animal abuse laws on Skid Row, does this make the city responsible for the harm that happens to those animals?

Conclusion

The evidence shows a city leadership that is facing several problems at once.

  1. Animal Safety: There is a conflict between the Mayor’s claim that animals are safe and the reports from groups like Starts With One Today that show abuse and trafficking.

  2. Administrative Trust: Legal documents link the Mayor to "hush money" and "scholarship scandals," which has led to claims of corruption.

  3. Public Policy: The Mayor’s past political history and her current pushback against federal help create a complex picture of how she views her role.

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The next steps for the city involve the unsealing of more court warrants and the continued work of animal advocates to document the conditions on Skid Row. Whether these events will lead to new laws or changes in leadership remains a point of observation for investigators.

Primary Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the new reports about dog abuse on Skid Row in Los Angeles?
Investigative reporters found that dogs are being traded or sold illegally in homeless camps. While the Mayor says the animals are safe, groups like Starts With One Today show that many dogs are being hurt or neglected every day.
Q: Why is Mayor Karen Bass being linked to a scholarship scandal at USC?
Legal papers from early 2025 suggest the Mayor received scholarships in exchange for helping certain people in government. Reports from the Los Angeles Times confirmed her name was in these secret files, leading to claims of corruption.
Q: What does the hush money investigation mean for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office?
Investigators are looking into secret warrants that show city money was used to keep people from talking about government secrets. Experts say these payments make it hard for the public to trust their local leaders.
Q: How does the lack of law enforcement on Skid Row affect animal safety?
Some reports say that police are not allowed to use animal abuse laws in certain parts of the city. This has created a lawless zone where people can hurt or sell dogs without getting into trouble with the law.
Q: Why did Mayor Karen Bass refuse federal help for crime and homelessness in Los Angeles?
In late 2025, the Mayor said she was worried about federal groups coming into the city to take control. This choice has caused a fight between local and federal leaders about the best way to keep the city safe.