LA Animal Services board President Larry Gross stepping down after a decade of service

Los Angeles Board of Animal Services President Larry Gross has announced he is stepping down from the five-member board after more than 10 years and will retire at the end of the month.

Gross told his fellow commissioners that Tuesday’s meeting would be his last, with his retirement effective on June 30. He gave no reason other than to say “it’s time.”

“It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to serve (on) this commission,” Gross said, adding that his commitment to animal welfare in the city “is and always will be unwavering.”

Gross, who is also the executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival, a leading Los Angeles tenants’ rights organization, was appointed to the board by former Mayor Eric Garcetti in February 2014, was elected vice president in July 2015 and president in April 2017.

Mayor Karen Bass’ office has not yet commented on the timeline for appointing his successor.

LAAS General Manager Staycee Dains praised Gross for his stewardship during a challenging era for the city’s animal shelters, which have dealt with persistent staffing and budgeting shortages, and have seen a steady and sometimes explosive growth in the population of unwanted pets.

“I think you have raised the level of awareness … and resources have flowed because of the way you have worked with (officials on a state and local level),” Dains said.

For his part, Gross said he was proud that he had missed only one LAAS board meeting — when he was out of the country in August 2017.

“There are many, many concerns we face, as we know, but I believe the department is in good and competent hands with Mayor Bass, General Manager Dains, and our staff and volunteers,” he added.