Watch Louis Theroux's LA Stories: City of Dogs

Louis Theroux's LA Stories: City of Dogs is a poignant documentary film that explores the unique culture of Los Angeles through the eyes of the city's dogs and the people who love them. The movie, which was released in 2014, follows the renowned British journalist and filmmaker as he delves into the lives of stray, abandoned, and neglected dogs that roam the streets of LA.

The film opens with Louis walking the streets of LA, observing the packs of dogs that roam freely in the city's neighborhoods. He interviews dog owners, animal activists, and volunteers of rescue organizations to understand the city's dog culture. The film takes a critical look at the city's high pet adoptions, then documents abandoned dogs, which are often left on the streets to join packs.

What makes the City of Dogs unique is that it shows the untold side of LA's famous pet culture, as well as the darker side of the city where hundreds of thousands of dogs roam the streets, exploiting the meager resources of Los Angeles through its empty parks and abandoned corners. Louis' film aims to uncover the city's hidden underground pet trade while highlighting the work of animal activists and people working tirelessly to save the lives of dogs in danger.

Throughout the film, Louis puts a human face on the heart-wrenching stories and struggles of the dogs he encounters on the streets. He highlights the pain and neglect these dogs endure while delving into the politics that drive the city's dog culture. He casts his critical gaze on both the guilty parties who dump dogs out of convenience and the city's other dog lovers who offer shelter and homes to the dogs in their care.

Louis interviews shelter staff, euthanasia technicians, strays, pet owners, and people working safely with pets, distributing food and water in abandoned areas. The film captures their compassion, frustration, and purpose as they care for the forgotten and unwanted dogs of LA.

One particularly poignant moment comes when Louis meets a man who offers a sanctuary for dogs rescued from the streets. The sanctuary is a three-acre home that offers therapy and shelter for the dogs that find themselves without a home. The man is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, and he shares his personal story about losing his daughter in a car accident, causing him to dedicate his life to saving dogs.

Throughout the documentary, Louis introduces us to many dogs, each with their unique story. For example, we meet a dog abandoned on the streets of LA and left to join a pack of stray dogs. Louis witnesses the struggle for survival of a mother who gives birth to her offspring while living in a derelict property before being rescued by animal welfare and finds a home.

Another dog Louis meets is a former fighting dog rescued by the no kill shelter as she managed to rescue her puppies from a shelter gas chamber. The dog had been subject to cruelty and left in a police part on her own, but her tenacity and recovery touched and impressed Louis and the shelter staff.

Louis also explores the darker side of the pet culture in LA, revealing the disturbing truth behind the city's dog breeding and abandoning laws. He visits a breeding factory to witness the commercial breeding of chihuahuas and sees firsthand the dire state of the dogs in these high-volume breeding operations. Here, dogs live in tiny, confined spaces and suffer abuse, neglect, and inbreeding, with the primary goal of maximizing profits. The factory workers tell Louis about their breeding methods and dismiss the idea that the dogs' welfare matters to them.

In conclusion, Louis Theroux's LA Stories: City of Dogs is a thought-provoking and emotional documentary exploring the heart of LA's canine culture. The film is an eye-opening look at the realities of life for abandoned, feral, and mistreated dogs in the city, raising important questions about animal welfare, dog breeding, and pet ownership. Through the stories he tells, Louis invites us to reflect on our relationship with dogs, as well as our responsibilities to ensure their well-being. It is a must-watch for animal lovers and everyone who cares about the planet's four-legged creatures.