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City and County of San Francisco
Commission of Animal Control & Welfare Archived Meetings

Meeting Information


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February 14, 2008

5:35 PM

 

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

 

Present, Commissioners: Sally Stephens, Laurie Kennedy-Routhier, Christine Garcia, Andrea Brooks, Pam Hemphill, Mara Weiss DVM,  Philip Gerrie, Vicky Guldbech – ACC

 

Absent, Commissioners William Herndon – SF Police, Bob Palacio – SF Rec & Park

 

2. Public Comment

 

Erin Williams HSUS – Representing Factory Farming Campaign, offers thanks for actions taken by Commission for farm animals in California both for resolution condemning practice of battery-caged hens and in support of the State Initiative. Offers support of HSUS staff on zoo & coyote issues.

 

3. Approval of Draft Minutes from Jan 10, 2008 Meeting

 

Minutes approved and voted to pass unanimously without corrections.

 

8. New business (moved as first item of business)

 

A) Discussion of animal welfare issues at SF Zoo, including concerns about the conditions under which animals are being kept, and what is in the best interest of the Zoo’s animals. Speakers representing the Zoo, groups in support of the Zoo, and groups critical of the Zoo will be invited to speak.

 

Comr. Garcia – Recent incident at Zoo has brought public focus on general welfare of Zoo animals as exhibits for human entertainment. Commission wanted to hear from public about Zoo animal welfare concerns.

 

Comr. Gerrie – Has not been a Zoo attender but recent incident has motivated looking into conditions and policies concerning Zoo animals and how they are kept. Investigation has raised the issue for the need of ACW Commission hearings.

 

Comr. Garcia – Two of the invited speakers are present. Elliot Katz and Deniz Bolbol. No one is present from the Zoo nor the Zoological Society.

 

Speakers:

 

Dr Elliot Katz – In Defense of Animals – Plays video:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/media?id=5930663

 

Zoo fails to place welfare of animals as a priority. IDA invited 3 zoo experts to visit SF Zoo. All found the Zoo to be in poor shape. Advised welfare of animals to be a priority. ACWC, in the past, instrumental in moving sick elephants out of Zoo. Asks Commission to again research and advise to Board of Supervisors  on issues of animal welfare at Zoo .
Supports Zoo be a rescue zoo.

 

Comr. Stephens – Did the three zoo experts prepare a report of their findings?

 

Dr. Elliot Katz – Not yet  but they plan to and be more specific as to recommendations.

 

Deniz Bolbol. – Prepared 10 minute video presentation . Peer review panel, under Rec & Park,  currently looking at security  and overall management. Not animal welfare issues. Hopes ACW will focus on animal welfare issues and make a recommendation about that aspect to the Board. Zoo has apx. 100 acres but only 10 acres for animal exhibits. Reminds that zoo animals live there year round. Animals narrated in video: 1. Grey Seal, in zoo since 1970 in barren enclosure with round concrete drop & fill pool. Enclosure for seal not labeled. 2. Baird’s Tapir, animal’s natural habitat is dense foliage yet enclosure is bare. New animals are brought in but existing animals are left in old outdated enclosures. 3. Chimp exhibit, on island. Can be seen from all around. No privacy so chimps turn away from visitors. 4. Hippopotamus, in temporary bare space for extended time while new exhibit is built . New exhibit will have drop and fill pool without any filtration system. Zoo spent 14 million dollars on new entrance to Zoo. Money not going for welfare of animals. 5. Polar Bear, in 1940 exhibit, animal shown pacing , which is an abnormal repetitive behavior. Green algae on polar bears’ back due to climate too warm.

Invites thinking about how appropriate existing conditions are for zoo animals. 6. Black Swan, in new exhibit on side of pachyderm building. Inadequate space. Zoo should do better. 7. African Savanna exhibit, Zoo spent 13 million dollars. Created protected area for public not animals. Animal area subject to wind and cold from ocean. Exhibit is viewed from 360 degree. Modern design allows private area for animals. Giraffes are tree top grazing animals. In exhibit giraffes are eating bark. Animals create hole in fencing around tree to eat bark. Parts of barn also chewed by giraffes. Hopes Commission will act to address animal welfare issues.

 

8 A Public Comment

 

Mark Ennis – Observes animals at the Zoo on a regular basis. Videotapes stereotypic behavior of each species. Large areas for children to play next to a small caged area for monkees. Deplores condition zoo animals are kept in. Zoo not set up for the benefit of the animals. Cites examples of human/animal interactions in the birds-of-prey exhibit and rhino exhibit.

 

Pat Covello – Former Zoological  Society member. Saw a disconnect of what was proposed for new exhibits and what was built. Sees problem at the Zoo due to Zoo management not seeing current conditions as a problem. Management needs over-sight. Encourages ACWC to help.

 

 

Julie Ruckers – Has gone to joint Zoo committee meetings for  last three years. Doesn’t see checks and balances for animal welfare with the system. Feels someone should care about the animals.

 

Nidi Singh – Has seen other third world zoos in India and Jamaica . Feels SF’s zoo is a shame. SF’s zoo should be an example to the world. We have no idea how zoo animals suffer. Encourages ACWC to speak in their behalf.

 

Richard Fong – Recalls going to SF Zoo as a child and being upset by how animals were kept. Cites video and agrees conditions are deplorable.

 

 

Comr. Routhier – Involved earlier as a Commissioner concerning the elephants. Learned a lot then about how the City managed the Zoo. Glad for current spotlight on the Zoo. Look forwards to further investigation on animals welfare issues.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Thanks presenters.

 

8

B)  Discussion and possible action to create a SF Zoo subcommittee of the Commission to investigate concerns raised about the welfare of  animals as the Zoo. Subcommittee will present any findings to the commission for possible recommendation to Board of Supervisors.

 

Comr. Gerrie – Supports forming subcommittee.

 

Comr. Brooks –Agrees about forming subcommittee and would like to be on it. Feels it is timely. Wants subcommittee to have a clear animal welfare focus.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Questions need for subcommittee versus sharing the work as a commission.

 

Comr. Stephens – Seeks clarification about legality of subcommittee. Asks if requirements of Sunshine Ordinance apply.

 

John Shanley – City Attorrney for ACWC, Subcommittee must follow all rules that ACWC follows. Committee must act as a body. Individuals can do their own investigations. Subcommittee can be no more than three and meet when needed.

 

Comr. Guldbech – Questions usefulness of a subcommittee versus allowing all ACWC commissioners to participate. Zoo issue could be a standard item every month.

 

Comr. Routhier – Past hearings on the elephant issue were done  as a full commission with the help of people such as Deniz Bolbol and Susanne Roy who provided critical information to help the Commission make a recommendation to the Board. Commissioners may not need to do a lot of backround work which may have been done by Deniz and others.

 

Comr. Brooks – Was a subcommittee formed during the elephant issue?

 

Comr. Ruthier – No. Some Commissioners took the lead.

 

Comr. Guldbech – ACWC is well respected and has been affective in the past in advising Supervisors . Has also benefited by those who have done investigative research. 

 

Comr. Garcia – The reason this was on the agenda was to insure this was a standing item. Individual commissioners come and go but the zoo animals will be there for years. To form a subcommittee was to show that the ACWC took the issue seriously. Would like to see more ideas on what a rescue zoo would look like. Would also like to see ideas about how to address mental health of zoo animals.

 

Comr. Stephens – ACWC can assemble report on ideas about these questions to present to Board of Supervisors. It is important to present ideas from all sides.

 

Comr. Routhier – Do we want to tackle specifics or take a more global approach? In past meetings many discussions have led to few specific outcomes. The elephant issue was specific and the recommendation concerned just that issue. A subcommittee needs a clear agenda of goals to work towards.

 

Comr. Brooks – We can define our objectives and deal with larger, wholistic  issues as a commission and specifics individually.

 

Public Comment 8A

 

Ron Cole -  Commission could ask Zoo Director about specific animals of concern as to short and long  term plans to address definciences. Zookeepers know the most about their animals but are rarely consulted. An appointed citizen Zoo committee should include them.

 

Deniz Bolbol – Encourage action within 4 to 8 weeks. Peer Review Committee timeline is two months. Peer Review Committee is comprised of 7 members. Two Zoo industry people, two SPCA, one is CEO of risk management company,  one is Rec& Park that deals with OSHA issues, one from Jones & Jones, a zoo-exhibit designer. Their focus is not animal welfare.

 

Dr. Elliot Katz – Supports sub-committee that is comprised of members willing to put extra time in. Once a month meetings are not enough.  Zookeepers afraid to speak out because of possible recriminations.

 

Mark Ennis – Notices neurotic behavior by staying and watching individual animals for some time. Supports sub-committee because it will be more focused , effective, and efficient.

 

Richard Fong – Cites Noah as the first animal caretaker. Doesn’t support subcommittee. Too many layers to be effective.

 

Wendy Bean – Supports subcommittee. As Zoo visitor has seen many sick animals. Issue is urgent.

 

8 B Commissioner discussion

 

Comr. Routhier – Is ACWC locked into meeting just monthly? How many people can be on a subcommittee?

 

Comr. Stephens – If we meet more often there is a two week public notice period versus 72 hours.

 

John Shanley – City Attorney – Only three voting members can be on a subcommittee.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Suggest a special single meeting of ACWC to look at the issue and see if we could move on to solutions.

 

Comr. Routhier – Suggests that a motivated Commissioner/s can get things accomplished quickly. Wants to talk with Deniz & Suzanne to see how they can help. Sit down with them. Gather information.  From there, agendize concerns for next month. Meeting privately can make the most of  our Commission time to get our recommendation before the Supervisors.

 

Comr.  Gerrie – Suggests voting on whether or not to form a subcommittee. Asks who would like to be on it.  ( All voting members raise their hands)

 

Comr. Stephens -  Issue is urgent but should be done right and well thought out.

 

Comr. Brooks – Saw subcommittee as gathering information which two or three individuals could do privately. Prefers to a creation of another formal body.

 

Comr. Routhier – Volunteers with Comr. Brooks to do research privately and report back to Commission. Other Commissioners can do their own research as well.

 

Comr.  Garcia – Would like a meeting in two weeks to discuss findings.

 

Comr. Stephens – Asks City Attorney Shanley if the 72 hour notice is room specific or building specific. He replies that it is building specific, City Hall.

 

Comr. Routhier – Makes a  motion to have a special meeting of ACWC in about two weeks. Seconded by Comr. Garcia. Passed unanimously.

 

Comr.  Weiss – Can inquire about talking with Zoo vet about zoo animal concerns

 

John Shanley – A special meeting can be called by the Chair or by three members writing to the Chair requesting a special meeting.

 

4. Chairperson’s report and opening remarks

 

A) Update on killing of feral deer at Point Reyes.

 

Comr. Stephens – Group against  the killing is called “Friends of the White Deer”. Several groups, individuals, and elected officials against the killing; IDA, Jane Goodale, Lynn Woolsey, Carol Migden, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein.

 Mandatory  Sunshine Ordinance training for all Commissioners  will be March 3.

 

Public Comment 4A

 

Dr Elliot Katz – IDA tried to stop killing but continued at night. Killing will continue in October. Possible legislation to designate deer as historic. Recommendation by ACWC to Supervisors would still be a positive help. About 500 of a total population of 1000 have been killed so far.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Questions if the white deer are forcing out native deer and tule elk.

 

Dr. Elliot Katz – Disputes claim that is happening. Claims Park Service wants to get rid of white deer for being a non-native species.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Cites Fish & Game statistics that 28,000 deer were hunted in California in 2006. By comparison culling in Point Reyes is minimal.

 

Dr. Elliot Katz – White deer killing pertains  only to  Point Reyes. Rationale of being destructive to environment and other deer is a cover for non-native killing policy.

 

Richard Fong – Suggests ranching or farming  non-native deer  and selling deer products or parts. Also, exploring non-lethal controls.

 

5. Committee Reports/commissioner’s Reports

 

A) Update on the status of the Commission’s recommendation that a permit process for professional dog walkers be established.

 

Comr. Routhier – Spoke with Comr. Palacio who asked that item be tabled until next month. Park employees are retiring and responsibility is being taken over by planning division. ACWC recommendation will be heard by Rec & Park within the next month. Comr. Palacio will notify Commissioners exactly when that date is. Timed use will also be discussed this month by Rec & Park.

 

B) Update on status of Helping Hands for Animals Initiative

 

Comr. Garica – Requests tabling item until next month.

 

C) Update on approaches to stop illegal fireworks on July 4th from disturbing nesting birds in SF Parks.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Research led from Richmond Police Station  to Rec & Park. Has not heard back from Rec & Park for two weeks. Counted on talking with Comr. Palacio who is absent. Concern is about closing Stow Lake.

 

6. Status and tracking of letters  of recommendation approved by the  Commission, requesting action by Board of Supervisors.

 

A)  Update on Commission’s recommendation that Board of Supervisors pass a resolution in supports of the ballot initiative that would put a measure on November 2008 ballot requiring egg-laying hens, veal cows, and pregnant pigs be given enough room to turn around and lay down.

 

Comr. Gerrie – Waited until Mayor signed previous commission-recommended resolution condemning confining egg-laying hens in battery cages. Soon after,  approached Supervisor Ammiano’s office who were receptive to sponsoring Farm Animal Initiative. Supervisor Ammiano introduced it to the Board of Supervisors on February 12. Will be voted on by full Board in two weeks. Did not need to go to sub-committee.

 

8 C

Discussion about coyotes  in SF and what can be done to ensure animals and people are safe  during 2008 coyote-breeding season.

 

Comr. Hemphill – Spring is breeding season for coyotes. From January to March. Pups are weaned in about six weeks but stay with parents six to nine months.  In July 2007 two coyotes were shot to death in Golden Gate Park. If the encounter had been between two dogs  instead of a coyote and a dog, the attacking canine would not have been shot. The encounter was between a 30 pound coyote and a 75 pound dog. How afraid should we be from coyotes? Could find only one death recorded due to a coyote. A mother was feeding a coyote while  her three-year old child stood next to her. The coyote mistook the child for food. Statistics of dogs killing humans from Center for Disease Control. From 1979 to 1994 such attack totaled 279 human deaths. In 1994 800,000 people required medical attention to non-fatal dog bites. The attacking dog was frequently the family dog. Most victims were under 15. In perspective, there are 40,000 automobile fatalities each year. To coexist with coyotes we must not leave food out nor try to make friends with them. Keep pets in at night. Leash your dogs in coyote areas.

 

Comr. Guldbech – ACC has learned a lot since last year. ACC has done community outreach on safety precautions and coyote education. Goal is to keep public and coyotes safe. Shows flyers, posters, and door hangers to educate public. Has City map in squad room where coyotes sightings are reported. Puts door hangers in those neighborhoods. Puts posters in store windows.  Tries to attend community meetings to address public’s fear. Also encourages dogs not to be off-leash in coyote areas. Put flyer in water bills as well.

 

Comr. Gerrie – Concern about overflowing trash cans and feral cat feeding stations in the parks as problems for coyotes.

 

Comr. Guldbech – Welcomes information. Has frequent communication with Rec & Park since coyote shooting last year. Will talk with Rec& Park about those issues. Working with feral feeders. Hooking feeders up with Jamie Ray  of ROMP to make feeding stations safer.

 

Public Comment 8 C

 

Ron Cole – Suggests a law against feeding wild animals.

 

Comr. Guldbech -  Has tried warning people feeding pigeons etc. Has not worked. Other methods preferred as being more effective. There already is a law against feeding wild animals.

 

Richard Fong – Questions if a coyote is classified as a dangerous dog or wild animal. Concern of future Fish & Game shooting activity that could cause accidental shooting of passer-by.

 

8 D

Discussion about what the city and homeowners can do to protect nesting birds from tree and brush pruning during nesting season.

 

Comr. Hemphill -  Trend towards thinning trees reducing nesting habitat for birds.  Pruning trees during nesting season can destroy small or hidden bird nests. Would like to hear from Rec & Park. Park tree-trimming policy needs to be reviewed. Public also needs awareness about backyard trees. Audobon did gardeners almanac about best months to prune and trim for Rec & Park. Unsure if actually used. Will put on agenda for next month when Comr. Palacio is present.

 

Comr. Garcia – Suggests Eli Sadler of Golden Gate Audobon as guest speaker concerning tree pruning.

 

Public comment 8 D

 

Dr Elliot Katz – Could Rec & Park just prune every other or third tree? Would like to help Comr. Hemphill work with Rec & Park on this issue.  Had worked to stop Rec & Park poisoning gophers.

 

Richard Fong – Rec & Park doesn’t have money or manpower to do a lot of pruning.

 

Mark Ennis – Citizens have been known to prune public trees.

 

9 Public Comment 

 

None

 

11 Closing Review of task allotment and Next Steps

 

Comr. Brooks – Will work with Comr. Routhier  on Zoo issue for meeting in two weeks. Dog-Walkers agenda item will be posted on next month’s meeting. As well as :

Comr. Garcia with Helping Hands Initiative.

Comr. Hemphill with fireworks and bird nesting issues.

Comr. Gerrie on Farm Animal Ballot Initiative update.

 

Adjournment 7:45 PM

 

Respectfully submitted by

Philip Gerrie

Commission Secretary