Barnette confirmed as Animal Services head

Giving her a broad agenda to improve a city agency under siege, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Brenda Barnette as the city's sixth Animal Services general manager in 10 years.

"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.