Brenda Barnette takes over LA Animal Services

"We are giving you a green light to make changes, but be cautious in making sure you go back to the community to involve them," Councilman Dennis Zine told Barnette.

Barnette, who most recently headed the Seattle Humane Society, was confirmed on a 15-0 vote. She is taking over one of the most troubled departments in the city, one whose past leaders have found their homes picketed and their families harassed by activists who want the city to kill fewer animals.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa selected her after a nationwide search and a wide interview process for a job that pays $192,000 a year to oversee a department with 357 workers and an $18.6 million annual budget.

Barnette said one of the lessons she has learned over the years is to include employees in the operations.

"I have been meeting with community members here - I was at a town hall on Sunday with more than 100 people - and I heard a lot about plans that are very exciting," Barnette said.

"But one of the things I have learned is we need to ask the staff about what we can do. We have to involve the people who will make things work. We need to develop plans that can work."