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San Francisco Commission
of Animal Welfare
Minutes of December 14, 2000 Meeting
1. The meeting was called to order. A quorum was achieved.
Commissioners Present: Richard Schulke
Frederick Hobson
Chin Chi
Cheryl Bentley
Commissioners Absent: Catherine Tchen-Kenna
Elissa Eckman
Department Representatives Present:
Carl Friedman
Jack Breslin
Sgt. Bill Herndon
*Please note there are two vacancies on the Commission: Veterinarian seat and Parks and Recreation Department seat.
2. The meeting agenda was adopted. October minutes were amended and approved.
3. Chair’s Report. The Chair reviewed the agenda items and provided background on each. There was a discussion on absences from meetings. Copies were provided of Administrative Code Section 41 which established the Commission and provides for not more than two absences without cause approved by the commission during each two-year term of office of each commissioner. Chair Schulke explained that he was absent due to an illness in his family and Commissioner Hobson provided the information at the November meeting that this was his first absence since he assumed office in May, having attended all other meetings (May, June, July, August, September, October, December). The question was raised as to who keeps record of attendance and what is an absence with cause. The secretary offered that in the minutes one would find attendance records. Commissioner Hobson, the secretary, offered that in future absences with cause should be voted on during a roll call. Lively discussion ensued on what and how items appear on the agenda and in what manner are the recommendations of the Commission followed up. Commissioner Hobson offered that all Commissioners should exercise personal responsibility and initiative and contact the Chair before the meeting if there were questions, concerns or changes to an agenda. Commissioners requested copies of this or other correspondence as soon as it is sent by Chair.
4. Eric Mills of Action for Animals presented information on the death of a bull at
Last rodeo held at the Cow Palace. Although the Cow Palace is not within the jurisdiction of the City of San Francisco, Mr. Mills felt that there should be a prohibition of such cruel "sport." He had contacted State Senator Jackie Speier in whose district the Cow Palace is located. The Senator agreed that she will do all that is possible to protect the animals at the Cow Palace. Discussion ensued as to what the role of the Commission would be in this and related matters. It was felt that the Commission should continue to work to prohibit such violence against animals and should have more focused lobbying efforts at the Board of Supervisors.
5. Discussion was had of the effects and the implementation in San Francisco that the Kuehl statute on live animal markets would have when it becomes effective on January 1, 2001. All Commissioners expressed strong support of the law. It was voted that the Commission send copies of the legislation and its recommendation that the Board of Supervisors implement this law locally. Questions were posed to Director Friedman of the Department of Animal Care and Control as to what the plans for implementation by the Department were. We provided that letters would be sent to live-animal vendors to inform and educate about the new law. Commissioner Hobson requested that beyond information and education, the Department should provide for strong enforcement.
6. Discussion was had on the possible expansion of the horse carriage trade into
Golden Gate Park. Sentiment centered on the merits of this possibility as well as an end to the horse carriage trade at the Wharf and any other areas where there is noise or automobiles. Information was given that there was a trial run for the carriages in the Park in September or October. Commissioner Hobson thanked Suzanne Martin for her activism and help on this issue. He has spoken with Jeff Sears of Waterfront Carriage Service, which holds the permit in San Francisco. Mr. Sears informed that he is not sure whether his business will expand to Golden Gate Park. Commissioner Hobson informed that he has invited Mr. Sears to the January meeting to dialogue with the Commission. Action was continued to the January meeting.
7. The proposed closure of Golden Gate National Recreation Areas (GGNRA) in San Francisco to off-leash dog walking was discussed. Concerns were presented
8. Public comment was given.
9. The Commissioners voted to place as an action item for the January meeting the local
implementation of the Kuehl legislation on live-animal markets, which was signed by Governor Davis.
10. The meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting of the Commission will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2001 in the meeting room 408 of City Hall, commencing at 5:30 p.m.