MINUTES
San Francisco Commission of Animal Control & Welfare
Thursday, January 16, 2014
1. Call to Order and Roll Call at 5:32pm
Commissioners present: Annemarie Fortier; Jennifer Mieuli Jameson; Rebecca Katz; Zachary Marks; Shari O’Neill, DVM; Susanna Russo; Sally Stephens; Russell Tenofsky; John Denny
Note: In order to accommodate ceremony for Mr. Foster and Mr. Pena, Item 5, New Business, was moved to first item.
5. New Business
A) Commendation. The Commission will honor the actions of Gregory Foster and Arturo Pena, and others at Recology who saved a puppy from certain death when they found the dog in a garbage bag on a trash sorting conveyor belt that was the last stop before a 20-foot-fall into landfill waste. Foster noticed a bag that appeared to be moving, and hit the emergency stop for the conveyor belt. Inside he found the 3-month-old puppy, frightened and injured but alive. Pena cleaned the dog’s wounds, wrapped her in a blanket, and stayed with her, comforting her until help arrived. Without their actions, the puppy, now named Gem, would certainly have died. Now, she is thriving in a foster home.
Commissioner Stephens - This is the kind of thing that it is easy for people not to do anything,, but these two gentlemen did do something. In their actions, they represent the very best of the City of St. Francis.
Rebecca Katz - First of all, I want to thank you both and your team, to save this little puppy’s life, especially right before Christmas. I know it was quite the story, and really touched a lot of people and I can tell it touched you two. We often talk about how important it is to care for every living being in the city and you two guys really did it and we are really appreciative for calling us and having us take her and provide care for her is the right thing. We rely on information from the public to do our jobs and care for all living creatures in San Francisco in need and we are privileged that we have collaboration from people like you.
We have Captain Lee Ellis Brown present. He spoke with you, he was really moved and really cared for all that you did for Gem.
Adam Taylor, Aide to Supervisor Scott Weiner who would not make it tonight. - We did want to do a little something to thank you two. It is truly going above and beyond the call of duty what you two did. On behalf of the supervisors, we tip our hat to you. We made two commendations for you.
Supervisor Kim - Good evening, Commissioners. I rarely have the opportunity to attend your meetings, but I am so happy to be here today to honor these two gentlemen. For full disclosure, and Rebecca knows this, our family adopted our first dog from ACC, so they always have a special place in my heart. I want to thank Mr. Pena and Mr. Foster for going above and beyond your call of duty to rescue this wonderful treasure, Gem. Thank you very much, and we have some certificates of honor to show our appreciation of you.
Commissioner Stephens - Don’t sit down too, soon, we also have a certificate for you. Did either of you want to say anything?
Mr. Foster - I would like to thank everyone who has been involved. Thank Recology, Teamsters Local 350, our union, San Francisco residents and everyone throughout the country for the love and support, the comments, for everyone being a part of the story, for everyone who signed up for the adoption of Gem and everyone who has been involved.
Commissioner Stephens - Thank you. What is the status of Gem?
Rebecca Katz - Over some tears from her foster family, they have decided to let her go because we often give foster homes the first chance to adopt, but the older dogs in their family do not like the divided attention. We have a list of nearly 240 people who have indicated their interest. And I want to say for people who live in other parts of the country, please, there are many shelter animals in need all over the country. Of course, if people feel this connection to her, and clearly people did, we will be sending out applications, including people from Recology. Gem looks like a little angel right now, but she is a puppy and she has some behavior that needs attention so we are hoping for an experienced home for her to go to, to give her some boundaries. It may take us a little time, it may take a while to get her into her forever time.
Commissioner Stephens - Is there any progress on finding who had her before?
Rebecca Katz - We had a tip, but not entirely credible or reliable. We are still open to investigating if we hear from anyone, but based on what we heard from Recology, she could have been there for days, we don’t know where it came from, so really difficult to track it down.
Commissioner Stephens - Well, she hit the jackpot for sure. She lucked out. There was definitely an angel looking out for her. She found the guys who would look out for her and take care of her. Thank you, for all you did and all you represented as reaffirming our faith in other human beings. Thank you again. Round of applause.
Back to regular order of business.
2. General Public Comment
No public comment.
3. Approval of Draft Minutes from the November 21, 2013 Meeting
Commissioner Jameson was present, added.
No public comment.
Minutes Approved.
4. Chairpersons Report
Nothing to report.
6. Old Business
Quarterly Report - Wording of agenda item in November 2013 Commission meeting agenda corrected.
Quarterly Report approved.
7. General Public Comment
No public comment.
8. Items to be put on the Calendar for Future Commission Meetings
Officer Denny - One case came up recently, in Golden Gate park a woman was walking and was attacked viciously by three off-leash pit bulls. A gentleman was riding his bike, jumped off and got between the lady and the three dogs. This gentleman put his life at risk until things were under control. Is this the proper venue to honor someone like that?
Commissioner Stephens - We could put it on the agenda for next month, and invite him. We can work something out. Can we get an update on the status of the Vicious and Dangerous Dog Unit?
Any public comment? Seeing none, public comment closed.
9. Closing Review of Task Allotments and Next Steps
10. Adjournment 5:51
