2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 COMMISSION OF ANIMAL CONTROL & WELFARE
Mailing Address: City Hall #1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 453
San Francisco, CA 94102
Voice Mail: (415) 554-6074
Website: www:sfgov.org/awcc
MINUTES OF MEETING – August 14, 2003
- CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m. On the call of the roll, the following Commissioners were noted absent:
Absent with excuse: Kelly Jensen, DVM; Capt. Vicky Guldbech, Animal Care & Control; also, the continued absence of Recreation and Park
Quorum present: Comm. Eckman was noted present at 5:51 p.m.; Comm. Herndon (will leave at 6:30p.m.); Chair stated that Jack Breslin, Department of Health, will not regularly attend Commission meetings, he will attend when necessary and/or requested.
2. Public Comment: No public comment.
3. Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes: Minutes approved for August 14, 2003
- Chairperson Opening Remarks:
The Chair welcomed and thanked all for attending the meeting. The Chair announced the vacancy on the Commission. Notice is posted on the Commission’s website and also on the Board of Supervisor’s website. The Board of Supervisors will be on holiday until late September; the vacancy will not be heard before the Rules Committee until late September, early October.
- Committee Reports/Commissioner Comment:
a. Report(s)/legal opinion from the City Attorney: None
- Status of Supervisor support/acknowledgment of the need to prioritize sufficient enforcement of Federal, State, and local law as it applies to entrepreneurs of live animal markets: Comm. Jensen not available to provide update.
Public Comment:
Lurilla Harris questioned if individual Commissioners took responsibility for particular items?
Comm. Kennedy stated any topic that is discussed, put into action for research or for comments to the Board of Supervisors, the Commissioners may work as a team, or less than a quorum. Comm. Jensen was the lead person on Item B. Ms. Harris requested that if it were known beforehand that a Commissioner would not be available to provide update, could arrangements be made for another Commissioner to provide update/report?
- Status and tracking of ‘letters of recommendation’ approved by the Commission, requesting action by the Board of Supervisors.
Comm. Franklin reported that she would be meeting with Supervisor Dufty on August 20th to discuss the full package. If the Supervisor is supportive of package, he will bring it forth to the Health and Human Services Committee. If passed at Health and Human Services, it will then go before the full Board of Supervisors. If approved at all levels, the City may possibly have a new responsible dog guardianship package by the end of the year.
Public Comment: None
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- (Taken out of order) Proposed establishment of a local ordinance that would prohibit veterinarians from declawing cats.
Comm. Wheeler reported that contact was made with the PAW Project, the group that was instrumental in getting the West Hollywood ordinance passed and also the law that is currently in Sacramento. Dr. Conrad, a veterinarian with the PAWS Project, who has had considerable experience dealing with cats after they have been declawed (expertise with large cats, lions, tigers etc.), is now leading a crusade to ban declawing. The PAW Project also provided photos of declawing procedures. Contact was also made with Pam Rundquist, of the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, who also supports the ban on declawing. They provided a number of pamphlets that the association produced on the subject. Additionally, contact was made with Jill Kesall, of the Animal Protection Institute, who has written a position paper based on the work of Jean Holva. Both organizations strongly support the ban on declawing.
Comm. Wheeler has also had continued correspondence with Mr. Draganastic of the World Society for the Protection of Animals Convention. There were a number of countries in Europe that have signed on to this convention. Noted as part of the Convention’s statement, “Surgical operations for the purpose of modifying the appearance of a pet animal or for other non-curative purposes shall be prohibitive and in particular the docking of tails, cropping of ears, de-vocalization, declawing and de-fanging.” Exceptions were made for the health of the animal.
Comm. Wheeler stated that all Commissioners received a sizable package from Dr. Mack stating reasons the CVMA organization is against the declawing ban. With the help of Comm. Kelly Jensen and Lana Bajal, a questionnaire has been created and sent to all the veterinarians in San Francisco. Comm. Wheeler will try to have the results from the survey by the next meeting. Comm. Wheeler further stated that until March of 2003, the American Veterinarian Association statement on declawing of domestic cats was: “Declawing of domestic cats is justifiable when the cat cannot be trained to refrain from using its paws destructively.” Comm. Wheeler noted that since the West Hollywood Ordinance was passed, and the Koretz Bill, the AVMA has issued another more humane statement regarding declawing and the importance of only doing the declawing procedure in extreme situations. It is assumed that the CVMA also follows the same guidelines. Political pressure may have been instrumental in this modification. The Chair thanked Comm. Wheeler for all the time and effort spent on the declawing issue.
Public Comment:
Ron Cole suggested questionnaire should ask information on how this procedure is done, i.e., laser surgery, type of instrument, the difference in behavior post-operatively, number of post-operative visits, and number of cats affected by this type of surgery. Dr. Cole also suggested that a hotline providing more information on the procedure might help educate owners and prevent this type of procedure. L’Danyielle Yacobucchi provided an article that was written in Catnip stating AVMA’s old policy and the updated modified policy. Copy provided to Comm. Wheeler. Lana Bajal stated how procedure is performed should not be a precursor to ban on declawing. She agreed that the term “extreme cases” should be clearly defined. The purpose of the ban was to educate the public and to deter declawing of cats in the future. Lurilla Harris suggested questionnaire be made available to public for their suggestions. June Wilson, who is from New Zealand stated that although New Zealand is considered behind the times, they have had a ban on declawing for many years. Dr. Tom Mack, representing the CVMA, stated that he has discussed declawing issue with many veterinarians and has heard many different views. He has sent out a survey to veterinarians of San Francisco, and other involved agencies such as UC Davis and other representative groups. Dr. Mack further stated that the CVMA was appalled that the procedure was done without consultation with the owners, and also that Veterinarians should have owners fill out consent forms. The owners should also be made to realize that it is a surgical procedure, it is permanent and the cat could not be an outdoor cat afterwards. Many cats can be trained without going through the pain of
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surgery. It is a procedure that has been overlooked and should be brought out into the open. Nancy Wurful, asked what percentage of veterinarian’s income comes from this type of procedure, and how many declawing procedures are done compared to other surgical procedures.
Commissioner Comment:
Comm. Wheeler stated she would like to see the results of Dr. Mack’s survey. She also informed Ms. Wurful that there was a question on the survey which asked the number of surgeries that are done a month. There were two polls taken one by Cat Fancy, which showed 74.48% of those that responded thought declawing was inhumane. The NBC’s Internet poll stated 75% of the responses also thought declawing was inhumane. Comm. Franklin stated that many cats that come into shelters are also re-homed. Comm. Herndon stated concern for cats that did not fall under the category of “medically necessary” but are surrendered because of behavioral problems and are not adoptable. Comm. Franklin stated many cats that have been declawed end up with severe behavior problems and are not adoptable. Comm. Herndon suggested that before the veterinarian performs the declawing procedure, the owner/guardian of a cat would have to go to a behaviorist to try to modify the behavior of the cat. Comm. Kennedy stated research would have to be done on the number of available behaviorists in San Francisco. Comm. Wheeler will be in Southern California and will go to West Hollywood to speak with someone regarding the ban passed. Comm. Kennedy asked that Comm. Wheeler find out what problems, if any, they encountered in getting the declawing ordinance passed. The item will be carried forward for discussion at next month’s meeting in September.
a. Proposed resolution urging the SF Board of Supervisors to reaffirm that the Animal Control and Welfare Commission as the official venue of all issues impacting the welfare control and maintenance of animals in public, private and commercial care within San Francisco.
Comm. Chi stated the reason for introducing this proposal was the result of many discussions and urging from members of the public who felt that all issues concerning animals should be brought before the Commission of Animal Control & Welfare. Comm. Chi further stated that most of the public assumed that all issues that impact animals were brought before the Commission.
Public Comment:
Dr. Cole stated his concern that the language of the resolution was too broad. Other organizations such as Animal Care and Control, SPCA, the Zoo and others make decisions regarding animals. The resolution needs to be very specific in order not to inundate the Commission. Nancy Wurful supports resolution and felt the public needs to be informed that there is a forum in matters affecting animals, and encouraged to participate in the formation of policies. Copy of Ms. Wurful’s speech provided for Commission records. Bob O’Brien, Lisa Vitore, Jean Lindgren, Nadine May, June Wilson, Martha Hoffman and L’Danyielle Yacobucci all support the resolution. Mark Claven stated concerns of proposed resolution specifically language regarding commercial care within the City, which include building code, zoning ordinances, health code and permitting issues.
Commissioner Comment:
Comm. Herndon requested the SFPD be exempt from proposed legislation, as is Animal Care and Control, for reasons of public safety. Comm. Eckman stated that resolution is not ready to be voted upon. Comm. Eckman further suggested that the City Attorney review the resolution. In its current form it changes the enacting mandate of the Commission. Comm. Kennedy felt the real issue is whether or not the feral cats issue is being heard. If the feral cat issues are not being dealt with and the public is not properly informed that is the issue that should be brought before the Board of Supervisors. As a Commission, AC&W has the authority to hear any issue, although being discussed at another committee, if they felt the issue was not being dealt with appropriately. This does not mean the Board would have to reaffirm on all issues.
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Comm. Kennedy further stated that the credibility of the Commission needed to be established before asking for the Board of Supervisors for support the resolution. Comm. Wheeler suggested the item be re-tabled for a future date. Comm. Chi did not feel resolution needed to be reviewed by the City Attorney and requested the Commission take a vote. Comm. Franklin stated she was not ready to vote on the resolution and wanted time to research information further before presenting to the Board of Supervisors. Comm. Chi agreed to re-table resolution for a future date.
- (taken out of order) Development of “Cambridge-type” ordinance that would provide critical oversight of UCSF live-animal testing.
Comm. Eckman reported that she has continued discussions with Susan Roy of In Defense of Animals. It was decided that in order to gain access into UCSF a Sunshine Ordinance request would be written requesting what connections UCSF has with the City, i.e., labor, contracts, etc. Copy of request will be sent to attorney in Washington, who will review and inform Comm. Eckman if request is sufficient and can be used to gain access. He will also work closely with City Attorney, Rosa Sanchez at her request. If UCSF were found to be immune to the Sunshine Ordinance request, the California Public Records Act would be used. Comm. Eckman stated that although it is a lengthy process it is imperative that a procedure is found that would enable the Commission to have oversight over UCSF’s live animal testing.
Public Comment:
Bob O’Brien stated that there are ethical considerations about what is going on at UCSF. The Committee on Animal Research at UCSF is overlooking it. This is something the Commission should be concerned about. The Animal Welfare Act, which requires community representation on the Committee, is being violated; there is no contact with the community and that Committee. They are working with a closed-door policy, which is a violation of the intent of the Animal Welfare Act. By the next meeting he will give summary of what they are doing to dogs. Comm. Franklin stated that the Commission is aware of the experiments that are being done at UCSF and has copious records on the different experiments. She asked Mr. O’Brien to discuss additional information after the meeting. Christine Hoerler stated her concern for animals at UCSF and urged Commission to do whatever possible to help animals. Lisa Vitorie stated continued concern with animal testing.
- Letter of thanks to the SFPD Officer responsible for saving the hen who was tied to
balloons in June.
Comm. Chi stated that a letter of appreciation should be written to the SFPD Officer from the Commission. Comm. Franklin motioned to have Comm. Chi write a personal letter on behalf of the Commission thanking the officer.
Public Comment:
Lisa Vitore requested the Officer’s supervisor and the Police Commission be copied on the letter. Comm. Eckman stated that a note would be sent to the Board of Supervisors stating that a letter of appreciation from the Commission was going to be sent to the officer thanking him for his actions. If there is no response within ten days from the Board of Supervisors, the letter will be sent. Motion seconded by Comm. Wheeler, carried by the following vote: Ayes: 5 - Kennedy, Franklin, Eckman, Chi, Wheeler
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- Discuss posting research and advocacy information collected by Commissioners with regard to Commission related topics.
Comm. Wheeler stated that a forum was needed where work that was done by the Commission in the past could be presented for public view. This would help keep the public informed.
Public Comment:
Dr. Cole suggested requesting various organizations such as Animal Care & Control, SPCA, and the Zoo provide monthly reports of things that have changed or are new in their organization. Some type of incentive for writing these reports could be given. Nadine May supported idea; the public would appreciate more information.
Commissioner Comment:
Comm. Kennedy asked Comm. Wheeler how did she plan to implement this project? Comm. Kennedy further stated that the Commission has a website. Comm. Eckman stated that although it would be good for the public to view more information and to be able to access films that were shown the Commission, it would be a labor-intensive job. Comm. Franklin suggested using links to other websites. Comm. Kennedy stated an area on the website could be created for relevant materials that relate to the topics discussed at the hearings. Comm. Wheeler stated that if each Commissioner would be responsible for scanning or providing information to the Webmaster for the task that they were working on, the job could be manageable.
Lisa Vitore, with SF Dog, requested the Commission’s support on putting together a good dog policy. Dogs that pass some type of behavior test would be able to be walked without a leash. Comm. Franklin stated that a Good Citizenship test would be given at Alamo Square on Saturday, August 23rd. Bob O’Brien thanked Comm. Eckman for all the work she has done with the ordinance for UCSF. He further stated that if the Commission’s plan did not work, he has a Plan B available. Eva Hoeler thanked Commission for devoting time to UCSF issue. Joan Miller, on the Board of Directors for Cat Fanciers’ in Fairfield, was interested in addressing the Commission regarding feral cats. Of particular interest was the definition used for feral cats, which is a term commonly used when it is really meant to say free roaming cats. Ms. Miller stated she looked forward to coming back to the next Commission meeting to discuss feral cats and the proposed declawing ordinance.
- Closing review of task allotment and next steps.
- Comm. Wheeler will continue work on declawing issue.
- · Comm. Eckman will continue to work on UCSF research issue.
- · Comm. Chi will write a letter to commend SFPD officer. Prior to this, a notification will be sent to the Clerk of the Board informing her of the Commission’s intention of sending a letter. If no response received from the Board, Comm. Chi will forward letter to the SFPD Officer with a copy to SFPD Commission.
- · Re-table proposed resolution urging the SF Board of Supervisors to reaffirming the Animal Control and Welfare Commission as the official venue of all issues impacting the welfare, control and maintenance of animals in public, private and commercial care within San Francisco re-tabled for January 2004.
- Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
August 26, 2003
Evonne Arita, Commission Secretary