On December 5, 2014, Leatrice was killed by the LA-SPCA. 

Two groups were involved in the initial rescue of Leatrice, Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC), and The Louisiana SPCA (NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE ASPCA WHICH IS A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION). Leatrice was found after she had been locked in her crate underneath the Almonaster Bridge in New Orleans.   Her owner had tossed her out like TRASH.  Leatrice, named after the good samaritan who found her, remained calm and motionless in the crate until Animal Control officers tried to drag her out of her crate with a catch pole,  which acts much like a noose around the neck. Of course she panicked and began crying out in fear.  Thanks to the help and quick thinking on the part  of Tia Maria Torres at VRC, Leatrice was safely transferred to a new crate by placing a new crate in front of the old battered one and allowing Leatrice to escape into the only place that felt safe, the enclosure of a crate.   VRC offered to take her for rehab, but agreed to follow "protocol" and let LA-SPCA take Leatrice for the mandatory 3 day hold (to allow the owners to claim her).  The plan was for VRC to then take her for rehab.  

This is where the story turns to tragedy.  LA-SPCA "assessed" Leatrice and labled her as vicious and unadoptable, because she was FRIGHTENED, CONFUSED, AND RESPONDING AS ANY DOG IN HER POSITION WOULD BE EXPECTED TO REACT!  Tia Torres and VRC have a PROVEN track record of rehabilitating dogs just like Leatrice with countless positive outcomes.  Tia also reassured the LA-SPCA that if it was determined that Leatrice was not able to be rehabilitated, she would be put down humanely in a loving, caring environment.  AT NO TIME WOULD THERE BE A RISK TO PUBLIC SAFETY.   Dogs that end up staying at VRC who are deemed unadoptable lead wonderful lives and are cared for with love and respect.  VRC's offer to help Leatrice was her "golden ticket" to a second chance at life, but Ana Zorrilla was unwilling to think outside of the box and consider this individual circumstance.  She was unwilling to bend "policy" so that this dog could be given the chance she so badly deserved.

Public outcry was overwhelming.  A petition here on change.org gained over 3500 signatures in just 24 hours, demanding LA-SPCA release Leatrice to VRC.  Facebook pages for VRC, LA-SPCA, and multiple other sites EXPLODED with pleas to give Leatrice the chance at the new life that  Tia was offering.  Calls POURED in to the LA-SPCA.  Calls were made to the Mayor of New Orleans and the Governor's office.  WWL, the local TV station, covered Leatrice's story.  ALL TO NO AVAIL.  Ana Zorrilla CHOSE to go AGAINST public outcry and stand by her POLICY.  Because of Ana Zorrilla's decision, we will never know the real Leatrice...the dog just waiting for someone to give her the TIME to REGAIN TRUST IN THE HUMANS WHO CONTINUED TO FAIL HER.  And so, in honor of Leatrice's memory, we the undersigned:

DEMAND THAT ANA ZORRILLA RESIGN HER POSITION AS CEO OF LA-SPCA.  Furthermore, she shall not be offered a new title or any other position within the organization as a "compromise".  She has proven herself untrustworthy to the public and done irreparable damage to her organization in the process.  Other animals will suffer due to people withdrawing financial support from the LA-SPCA.  She has caused enough damage, and we demand she resign.

-In honor and memory of Leatrice.