"While this contract termination may seem sudden, I want to be clear that we did not make this decision lightly," City Manager Tom Modica said.

The well-known nonprofit has long partnered with the city for animal adoptions. Officials are now accusing the group of shirking its responsibilities, leaving taxpayers to pick up the costs.

Long Beach ends its 26-year partnership with spcaLA, citing issues with compliance and unequal use of shared animal care spaces.

In efforts to better care for its shelter animals, the city of Long Beach announced Monday the ending of its 26-year partnership with spcaLA.