Staycee Dains, head of L.A. Animal Services, had been on leave since August. Officials declined to explain why, leading to uncertainty about leadership.

LOS ANGELES - Staycee Dains has resigned as general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services after being on paid leave since August, Mayor Karen Bass ' office confirmed Monday. A spokesperson for Bass told City News Service Dains resigned effective Saturday. City officials had not explained the reason for her absence.

After a tumultuous stint characterized by issues including shelter overcrowding and high euthanasia rates, Staycee Dains, the general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, has stepped down. The city’s animal services department is one of the largest of its type in the country,