LOS ANGELES - In the wake of reports about theft and fraud within the Animal Services Department, and allegations about stolen shelter animals being sold for profit, Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel announced Wednesday she will launch an audit of the department."We need to get to the bottom of why animals are missing while addressing the allegations of waste, fraud and abuse within the Department of Animal Services," said Greuel. Greuel recently met with the general managers of the Department of Animal Services and the Personnel Department to discuss the challenges currently facing Animal Services and the need for a comprehensive review of the department. Animal Services has recently come under scrutiny following reports of possible dog theft at the Lincoln Heights animal shelter and allegations that time cards were filled out fraudulently, resulting in public employees being paid for work they did not perform.

********** Published: July 21, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 14