Bellflower Launches New, Innovative Animal Control Partnership

The City of Bellflower is launching a first-of-its-kind partnership to enhance animal services in the community. Animal control will now be provided through Southwest Patrol, with sheltering, veterinary care, lost animal housing and adoption services offered by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) in Hawthorne. This innovative model makes Bellflower the first city in the region to establish this type of partnership, ensuring residents receive more responsive, cost-effective and accountable service.

The change comes after years of growing concerns about the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA), which had served Bellflower since 1992. The City had seen rising costs, an increase in resident complaints about slow response times, limited enforcement and lack of accountability. Listening to these frustrations, City leaders set out to identify a new service approach that would better meet the community's needs.

Through the new arrangement, a dedicated animal control officer will serve Bellflower exclusively for 40 hours each week, while Southwest Patrol also manages the collection and proper disposal of deceased animals through Pet Haven Cemetery and Crematory in Gardena.

Under this new arrangement, the enforcement of animal-related crimes under the California Penal Code will be handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD). LASD already has the staffing and internal structure to respond to criminal cases involving animals. Enforcement of Bellflower's local animal regulations, such as licensing, spaying and neutering and noise complaints, will be shifted to the City's Code Enforcement Division.

Another key change is the City's decision to manage animal licensing directly. Licensing will be integrated into the City's existing online permitting system, offering residents an easy-to-use platform similar to the City's parking permit system. A new part-time Administrative Assistant will also support this service.

This new service model provides Bellflower with a more streamlined and accountable system for handling animal-related concerns. It allows the City to directly manage service levels, enhance enforcement and make adjustments based on the needs of the community while reducing annual costs.

Through this shift, Bellflower is leading the way in redefining how cities deliver animal services. By listening to residents and addressing longstanding challenges, the City has created a system that offers stronger accountability, better service and long-term cost savings, while ensuring both residents and animals are well cared for.

For more information about Bellflower's animal control services or upcoming changes to the animal licensing process, please visit https://www.bellflower.ca.gov/community/services/animal_control_services.php.