It’s estimated that there are as many as 44,000 stray dogs wandering the streets of Los Angeles and more than 12 million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year. At the start of the new year bill No. 485 went into effect, making it a misdemeanor to sell dogs in pet stores from puppy mills. Pet stores are no longer be allowed to buy from breeders, or from “puppy mills,” which raise animals in poor conditions for profit. Instead, they’ll have to source their animals from shelters and rescues. This law is yet another step forward towards fixing the overpopulation problem in Los Angeles. Reporters Julia Digregorio and Peyton Douglas traveled to South LA Animal Shelter to see how this new law will impact animal shelters. LA Animal Services operates six animal shelters throughout the City of Los Angeles. They provide shelter to lost animals until they are able to reunite them with their owners and help stray pets find their new homes.

Check out this map to locate a shelter near you: