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5:42 PM
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Present Commissioners, Sally Stephens, Angela Padilla, Andrea Brooks, Philip Gerrie, Pam Hemphill, Andrea Brooks, Vicky Guldbech – ACC, David Gordon – DVM,
Absent Commissioners, Laurie Kennedy-Routhier, William Herndon – SF Police, Bob Palacio – Rec. & Park.
2. General Public Comment - None
3. Approval of Draft Minutes for June 11, 2009
3. Public Comment
Julene Johnson – Wants listing of countries named that have banned declawing. Minutes did not specify which countries. Only said “some” countries. Point is that many countries have banned declawing and would like them listed.
Kathleen McGarr – Thanks Secretary for cassette copy of last month’s minutes. Concerned that transcribed minutes may not accurately capture what was said.
Comr. Gerrie - Minutes are not verbatim of what was said but a summing up. This is the opportunity to correct any statements that are not accurate.
Comr. Stephens – Our Commission’s minutes are more detailed than most other Commissions. We only have to say whether a speaker supports or doesn’t an issue but feel that it is important to be more detailed.
Minutes approved unanimously with changes requested.
4. Chairperson’s report and opening remarks
Comr. Stephens – Update of appointment for Commission seats. Rules Committee has postponed appointments until budget issues and charter amendments or done. Latest word from Rules Committee clerk is August or later.
No Joint Zoo report because JZC has not met since previous ACWC meeting.
Due to time constraints, will be taking agenda items out of order.
6 New Business
A) Discussion of significantly low live release rate of non-cat and dog animals at ACC. Rebecca Katz, Kat Brown, and Eric Zuercher, all from ACC, will be speakers.
Comr. Hemphill – Concerned that no-kill discussions, so far, have been focused on dogs & cats. At ACC, live release rate for dogs & cats for fiscal year 2007,8 was 84%. All- animal release rate was 73%. Invited speakers from ACC to address what can be done.
Rebecca Katz – Director ACC – Other animals include: chickens, roosters, rabbits, raccoons, hamsters, pigeons, rats, pigs, snakes, fish, and many more. Latest year of figures is 07/08. “Others” live release was 60% from 51%. Wildlife is included in “other” statistics. Wildlife, in order to be captured, has to be severely sick or injured which decreases their chances for survival. Beyond ACC’s ability to save them or even get them to appropriate rescue groups. No safety net for “others”. No adoption pact with another agency. Others are not as valued by society. Has seen an increase of all animals including “others”. Adoption fees for adoptable animals higher than pet stores. Especially rodents, hamsters, and guinea pigs because ACC has a vet who performs spay/neuter. Other reason cost is higher is to not have adopted animals used for feed. Many animals have larger litters than cats and dogs. Public does not think to adopt “other” animals from ACC. Has seen in past year a 13% increase in owner-surrenders of all animals.
Eric Zuercher – ACC works with the following rescue groups for “others”. Save A Bunny, Marcy Shaaf. ACC has space for 10 rabbits for adoption. Calls Marcy when over.
She took in 54 rabbits last fiscal year. ACC has not had to euthanize any rabbits in last 8 years. Mikaboo, companion bird rescue, takes hook-billed birds and parakeets. Rescued 169 birds during ’08-’09. MikaCoo a branch of Mickaboo, is Elizabeth Young, takes pigeons and doves. Takes king pigeons originally bought from food markets. Before MickaCoo, almost all surrendered king pigeons were euthanized. Mickacoo may be the main reason for the recent increase in “other” live release rates. North Star Rescue takes mice. Rattie Rats and Animal Care Network took over 50 rats. Paul’s Reptile Rescue, PRR, takes iguanas, snakes, and turtles. Took 86 reptiles last year. Sonoma County Reptile rescue rescued 46 reptiles in ’08-’09. Many reptiles not legal to own in California so RR saves their lives. California Chins takes chinchillas. Gavi Rescue takes guinea pigs. Ferrets are illegal in California . Sends them to a rescue in Nevada . Rescue Orphan Mammal Program, ROMP, founded by Jamie Ray, takes baby wildlife; opposums, skunks, raccoons, etc. Wildcare in San Rafael accepts wildlife for rehabilitation and release. Marine Mammal Center takes seals found at the beach. Peninsula Humane Society, PHS, takes mainly wild birds for rehab. ACC not set up to provide adequate rehab care. Relies on above resources. ACC volunteer, Carlos Granof, has filled in often to take injured birds down to PHS. Has made significant impact of survival of injured birds. Live release rate for “others” would be much lower without the help of rescue groups and volunteers. ACC working with other City agencies, rescued 25-30 sheep, holding some at Police Dept. stables and in a fenced-off area in McLaren to house them temporarily. Academy of Sciences has taken, alligators, rattle snakes, tarantulas, etc. SF Zoo has taken exotic illegal animals. Recent case of a marmoset, a primate, that the Zoo would not take, so ACC found a sanctuary in Austin , Texas . Was flown and placed there with other marmosets. Animal Place takes livestock, goats, sheep etc.
Rebecca Katz – Thanks Eric for his work in placing all the animals. What does ACC need? Money. Grants. Increase public awareness that “other” animals are available. Suggests legislation that stop sale of small animals in pet stores as is the case for rabbits now. One big challenge is hamsters. Last nine years, impounded over 2000. Last year impounded 112. Only 9 were adopted of the 112. 36 went to rescue groups. 54 were euthanized. 13 died while in ACC’s care. Other challenge is rats. In one incidence impounded 200 rats. Had to separate by sex. Had to spay/neuter. Had to but more cages to hold all the rats. A lot were adopted out thanks to Eric’s efforts. Comr. Hemphill had asked about placing animals in schools. ACC does work with schools, however, has had some negative experiences. Problem at schools is inconsistent care and not care around the clock. ACC does not promote placing in schools. Does promote education aspect.
Comr. Hemphill – What are the rabbit laws?
Rebecca Katz – It is illegal to sell rabbits in pet stores. Has been a law for over 25 years.
Comr. Hemphill – Would it be possible to pass laws against selling other animals, hamsters, guinea pigs?
Rebecca Katz – Unsure of challenges to pass legislation.
Comr. Hemphill – Concern over exotic snakes such as pythons. There had been 11 deaths from pythons in the US . What happens to them at their rescue places?
Eric Zuercher – Does follow up to insure animals are OK. Has confidence in two main reptile rescue groups.
Comr. Hemphill -Which small animals can be neutered?
Eric Zuercher – Rabbits, rats, and male guinea pigs, do not spay females. No birds or reptiles.
Comr. Hemphill – What donations do you get?
Eric Zuercher - Blankets, towels, sheets, aquariums, and cages.
Comr. Hemphill – What else do you need?
Rebecca Katz – More PR. Legislation to stop selling certain animals.
Kat Brown – Can help by continuing to support ACC. This meeting reflects concerns of the community at large. Individuals have stepped forward such as Carlos and Elizabeth Young. No-kill includes all animals.
Comr. Brooks - Why are surrenders going up?
Rebecca Katz – The economy. People losing their homes and jobs.
Comr. Stephens – Are surrenders of “others” from owners of someone else reporting animals, e.g., reporting an illegal or an abandoned animal?
Rebecca Katz – It’s split. Will get calls after a person moves out and leaves an animal or a neighbor reports about an animal.
Comr. Stephens – Do you make a distinction between wildlife that is sick or injured versus savable in your statistics for live-release?
Rebecca Katz – When an animal comes in that won’t survive, that goes into euthanasia statistics. If an animal dies while in our care, that is, “died in kennel”. Hard to determine right away what animals will survive or can be saved. Is more complicated with wildlife because of timely need to get it to a rescue or treatment center.
Comr. Hemphill – How many animals, that get to PHS, survive?
Kat Brown – We have it those numbers but unsure of what it is. We do get follow up.
Comr. Hemphill – What is the wait-time to be transported?
Kat Brown – Carlos has improved our ability tremendously. We did have regular transport but was subject to delays. One person has made a huge difference.
Comr. Stephens – As to live-release rate for “others”, how does dealing with them different than cats & dogs? Rescue groups are important but are there other factors we haven’t talked about yet?
Eric Zuercher – Wildlife is different than cat & dogs. Rescue groups just do rehab for wildlife. Comparing apples to oranges. Rehabing wildlife takes special skills. Domestic animals need foster care.
Rebecca Katz – We also don’t do veterinary care for wildlife. Thanks Eric, Kat and the rescue groups for all their work.
6 A. Public Comment
Richard Fong – Wants to encourage empathy with all workers and volunteers as mentioned at ACC. Wants to hear more positive comments about animal control by euthanasia and sterilization.
Susan Wheeler – Suggestion to print, in color, ACC’s first slide of “other” animals. Put in pet stores to advertise availability of many animals besides cats and dogs. Sees creative marketing potential.
Bill Hamilton – Gives example of ACC’s care of “other” animals. Saw ACC vet lovingly free a rat, that had been brought in, from a sticky-board trap with a safe solvent then put up for adoption. Impressed that attention had gone to a rat, a less desirable animal. Agrees with Susan that ACC needs more public awareness - that they have “other” animals for adoption. Pet stores would be willing to have ACC put posters up so that they could sell supplies for adopted pets.
Kathleen McGarr – Supports equal attention to all animals not just dogs and cats. Supports previous two speakers, not enough awareness. “Other” animals not normally seen as pets.
Lisa Vittori – Went to ACC last weekend and noticed loudness of the dogs. Many people were surrendering their pets. It’s hard to adopt because it is hard to go in. Just the way it is. Gerbils, hamsters or rats, are good options if you can’t have dogs or cats. Small animals do not need to be kept in small cages. Can be part of a loving household.
Julene Johnson – Thanks Comr. Hemphill for bringing topic up for discussion. Thanks ACC for their care. SF could be more innovative by including “other” animals in the no-kill effort.
Martha Hoffman – SPCA Feral Cat Program – Agrees with previous speakers. Jamie Ray from ROMP did presentation for feral cat people about wildlife. Found it very helpful. Trapped injured raccoon in the park, Wildcare did surgery and was successfully released.
Cynthia Cox – ACC volunteer/ fixsanfrancisco – Suggest educational evening forums for those interested in adopting “other” animals. Teach and educate. Do landlords only exclude cats and dogs in a no-pet lease?
Kiska Icard – Communications Manager SPCA – SPCA’s focus is on cats and dogs but does work with Save A Bunny. Rabbits will be available for adoption every Saturday through the end of summer.
L’Danyielle Yacabucci – Suggestions; showing animals for adoption on government TV channels, cable TV gives away free time, put videos on ACC’s website on how to take care of “other” animals, give classes at ACC about taking care of “other” animals. Is very fond of pet rats. Thanks Comr. Hemphill.
Nadine May – Thanks ACC for all their work and Comr. Hemphill.
5. Unfinished Business
A) Discussion/ action to recommend to the board that they ban practice of declawing cats. Speakers from California Veterinary Medical Association, CVMA, and Paw Project.
Comr. Stephens – Received message from Dr. Gordon stating that muscles are not involved in this procedure as I had stated previously. Issue had originally come up in ACWC in 2003. Had passed a resolution to the Board against declawing. Was advisory only. Same time West Hollywood passed a ban but was sued. SF animal activists decided to wait until case was concluded before trying to pass a ban in SF. Case was resolved in favor of West Hollywood last year. Recently, State passed a bill prohibiting local communities from passing laws against procedures approved by state medical board. Wasn’t specific to cat declawing. Law doesn’t go into effect until Jan 1, 2010. Law has exemption for any community that has a law in place before Jan 1. Was approached about sponsoring this now so it can be in place by the Jan,1 deadline. A representative from the Paw Project in So. Cal has come up to speak for a ban. They advocate for a ban and also do resconstructive surgery on larger cats that have been declawed.
Jennifer Conrad – founder and director of the Paw Project – will present five reasons to ban declawing. Was a vet at an animal sanctuary. Shows video of Kona, a declawed mountain lion, walking painfully. Saw 40 other large declawed cats. Was prompted to write a paper accepted by the American Zoo Association, AZA, in 2002, of her efforts to help these large cats with reconstructive surgery. Paper led to American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, taking a stand against declawing large cats. Led to California passing a law prohibiting declawing large cats. Interest led to many inquiries about declawing smaller cats.
Declawing is the removal of the third phalanx, from which their claw grows. Our nails grow from the skin. Surgery is done with a scalpel, nail clippers, or laser. Claws are important to cats for their primary defense, for balance, for walking, for climbing, to mark territory, to stretch and exercise. Declawing is performed to big cats to disarm. Gives false sense of security. Cats can still bite. House cats are often declawed to protect furniture. Immediate complications of declawiing are; pain, bleeding, nerve damage, and reaction to anesthesia. Long term complications include; lameness, arthritis, infection, and behavioral changes. In 2005, Gary Patronik, professor of veterinary medicine at Tufts University, did a literature search in peer-reviewed journals on declawing to find out its effectiveness and success. Declawing, a common procedure, lacked definitive evaluation. Literature stated declawing is listing as causing modestly severe to severe pain. On the order of limb removal and cancer pain. Drug companies test their pain medication on declawed cats because it is a known high-pain surgery. What pain medicine is given declawed cats? One survey showed only one dose was given after surgery or none at all. Another survey showed, out of 1000 veterinarians, 30% gave no pain medication. Why is no pain medication given? One answer is the procedure is so routine it is trivialized by the doctor and owner. Another reason is a cat’s response to extreme pain is to curl up in the back of the cage. Today’s veterinarians say they use better pain management. They do but only for short term pain. Declawed cats suffer from permanent long-term pain. One study found short term complications develop in 50% of declawed cats. Long term complications in 20%. One long term symptom is lameness due to fragments of the third phalanx left that are painful to walk on. Walking directly on bone. Called “Pebble in the shoe” syndrome. Another complication is regrowth of the nail directly from the bone. Laser surgery is the latest technique but still has the same problems. Disagrees that there is no association with declawing and behavioral problems. Literature says that litter box avoidance and biting are first and second reason for cat surrenders. One study said that one in three declawed cats develop behavior problems. Study by SF/SPCA showed that 35% of declawed cats were declined compared to 19% of non-declawed cats or twice the rate. Same study showed that 40% had litter box avoidance problems. 33% had aggression problems. Non-declawed, 2% litter box avoidance and 9% aggression. Does declawing help keep the cat in his home? Study showed declawed cats had increased risk for abandondment. Another reason to declaw is when the owner is immuno-compromised. Veterinarians should not recommend this for those human patients. A noted infectious disease doctor stated that common precautions are sufficient to avoid bites or scratches. Another specialist on infectious diseases said that possible infections from cats come primarily from the litter box and teeth. That there is no medical reason to declaw. Recommends to keep nails trimmed. Emergency room statistics showed that 15% of cat bites became infected. No cat scratches became infected. It is a fallacy that declawing is necessary to protect the human. Declawed cats do not prevent them from killing wildlife according to another study.
Jim Jenswold – Assistant director of the Paw Project – Cites survey in Cat Fancy magazine around the time West Hollywood banned declawing. Three-quarters agreed with legislation to ban declawing. Three-quarters from a study done by NBC TV also found it inhumane. There is a precedent for ban on declawing legislation. Only the city of West Hollywood has a ban on declawing and only California bans declawing big cats. Worldwide declawing is banned in the UK , all EU countries, Sweden , Croatia , and many more countries. Veterinary organizations; the World Small Animal Veterinary Assoc. calls for legislation to oppose declawing. The California Veterinary Medical Association, CVMA, wants to keep declawing an option for veterinarians. All US animal rights groups such as HSUS, SPCA, and IDA support a ban. SF, in 2003, passed, from a recommendation from this Commission, a resolution urging veterinarians and owners not to declaw cats. West Hollywood is the only US city to pass an ordinance against declawing. They were sued by CVMA which stopped other cities from passing similar legislation. When the lawsuit reached the appellate court level, the SF city attorney’s office filled an amicus curiae, friend of the court brief, supporting a ban because declawing is cruel and unnecessary. The appellate court, judge Perluss, ruled that cities have the right to set minimum standards for the humane treatment of animals within its borders. The SF city attorney’s office said it reserved the right to enact similar legislation if it chooses, in the future. An informal survey was conducted recently in SF of 12 clinics. Eight did not declaw. Three discouraged it. One would declaw as asked. Some declawing still occurs in SF. Bill SB 762, signed by the governor recently, was a result of the appellate court decision. The court found that a California city was allowed to do this in restricted circumstances because it was stopping a non-therapuetic procedure that is an anti-cruelty measure not directed solely to veterinarians but anyone that performs declawing. SB 762 was sponsored by the CVMA. It allows anyone in the healing arts profession to practice what they want without cities being able to stop them. There are alternatives to declawing. Nail clipping. Scratching posts. Soft paws, plastic caps for nails. Declawing is an attempt to find a surgical solution to a behavioral problem. Analogous to lobotomies done on humans years ago. Hopes SF will pass similar anti-declawing legislation before deadline of Jan 1, 2010.
Comr. Padilla – Cites e-mail from Frank Lorenzetti, a SF resident living with AIDS, sent to Commissioners. He lives with two cats who scratch a lot. He begged that this ordinance not be passed because it would force him to give up his companion animals. What would you say to him?
Jim Jenswold – West Hollywood has a large gay population. The current mayor, former sponsor of the anti-declawing ordinance is John Durant who is HIV positive. Testimony concluded that clawing was not a cause for concern for HIV-positive population. It may end up that the cats may need to find another home.
Comr. Guldbech – Suggest a behaviorist contact Frank and see what can be done.
Jennifer Conrad – Data shows that declawed cats are more likely to bite which is significantly worse than a scratch. Inadvertently, declawing his cats could prove deadly.
Comr. Stephens – He isn’t the only one that has faced this issue. How do we get the word out? Had correspondence with Frank. He is attached to his cats which he had before being diagnosed. Doesn’t want to feel like a criminal wanting to keep his cats with him.
Jim Jenswold – The West Hollywood City Council has gone over this in detail. Would be happy to give Frank contact information.
Comr. Brooks – Surprised that presenter’s data showed no complications from cat scratches. Deals with immuno-compromised population. Just saw client who spent three weeks in hospital due to cat scratch. Day job is making matches for pets and owners and sometimes it doesn’t work out.
Comr. Gordon – Tells clients same statistics that were presented. Has worked in same clinic for over ten years. Has not seen one declawed cat that has become a biter. Takes issue that cat scratches are not a problem. Personally was in hospital for a week from a cat scratch.
Chris Cowling – CVMA – CVMA represents 6,000 veterinarians in California. Opposes strongly passing an ordinance against declawing. Believes decision to declaw should be made by the owner of the cat with consultation with their veterinarian. If after considering all other alternatives, declawing is the only option for a family to keep their cat the procedure should remain legal. Current procedures, with lasers, allow the cat to be grooming and walking shortly after awakening from anesthesia. Most cats go home the same day. No more pain management is necessary than a routine spay/neuter. Not appropriate to compare the procedure from large cats to small cats because of size and weight. CVMA supported declawing ban, in 2004, on large exotic cats. The American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, states that declawing is justifiable when a cat uses its claws destructively. Veterinarians are trained to distinguish medical and behavioral problems and should continue to counsel clients on this issue. Studies show behavioral issues are leading cause of animal abandonment and euthanasia.The unintended consequence of this ban will lead to increase in owner relinquishment. Immune-compromised owners could have severe consequences if scratched. As a member of the Ca. Veterinary community, hard to see cat-owning public denied this medical option. Asks Commissioners to leave the decision to the cat owner with consultation with their vet.
Comr. Gerrie – How are veterinarians trained to distinguish between medical and behavioral issues? What is the training?
Chris Cowling – Unsure. Guesses students would receive it in vet school. Did not receive that training, personally, when going to vet school. Believes there are only 6 board-certified animal behaviorists in Ca.
Comr. Gerrie- Wondering where the training is available if there are only six behaviorists in the State.
Chris Cowling – In four-year vet school, course time is limited. Believes there was one class in animal behavior.
Comr. Hemphill – Had seen a friend’s cat declawed and saw a noticeable change in behavior away from affectionate and trusting.
Chris Cowling – Have talked to a number owners who have had their cats declawed. None have seen behavioral changes. Has done declawing. Hasn’t seen changes. Supports alternatives first. Trimming nails, plastic caps.
Comr. Hemphill – What is the charge for declawing? And what pain medicine afterwards?
Chris Cowling – Varies considerably. Charges $450 personally. Doesn’t think it is much worse than spay/neuter. Doesn’t bandage the feet. Does suture the toes. Minimal infection complications. Sends home afterwards with antibiotics. Looks to provide service and care for the cat.
Comr. Hemphill – Does it feel like a big threat to be told how you can practice vet medicine?
Chris Cowling – Yes it does. If SF passes this and I had two offices. One in the City and the other not. I can practice declawing outside of SF but not in. If every municipality has their own laws about what a vet can and cannot do, it becomes a nightmare. Speaking for CVMA, the State Practice Act takes precedence over local municipalities. Just looking to make things one standard.
Comr. Hemphill – Do you think there are doctors who do the procedure poorly?
Chris Cowling – Absolutely. Many do it poorly and many do it very well.
Comr. Stephens – Sent out a questionnaire to clinics about declawing. Received 5 back so far. One question was, “has your attitude changed about declawing since starting your practice?” They all replied, yes. Attitude towards pain management has changed according to Dr. Gordon’s comments last month. Old school vets vs. new school vets. Dr. Gordon keeps declawed cats for how long?
Comr. Gordon – Usually two nights and three days. Gives them morphine as well as nerve blocks at the time of surgery.
Comr. Stephens- Has there been a change in pain management in recent years as to this procedure?
Chris Cowley – Not just in this procedure but in all veterinary medicine. Have practiced for 35 years. Pain management was not discussed when I was in school. Am all for pain management in all veterinary medicine.
Comr. Hemphill – Had heard discussed by a rescue group, in a previous meeting, that declawed cats were harder to adopt.
Comr. Brooks – That was from the Urban Cat Project. All their problem behavior cats were declawed.
Chris Cowley – Could be that these cats had behavior issues before declawing. No statistics to back it up but need to consider that possibility.
Comr. Brooks – Flipping that over to if declawing was unsuccessful in changing behavior, why declaw?
Jim Jenswold – Commission is being asked to compare speculation and statistics. All the information presented by us has been peer reviewed in veterinary journals.
Comr. Stephens – Had brought the issue to the Commission in the first place. I am leading towards recommending a ban but am concerned about immune compromised people. Its easy, in the abstract, to say the cats should be in another home but the reality is hard to do. Ban should exempt therapeutic reasons. Unsure to make an exception for immune compromised people. Sure that that issue will come up before the Board.
Comr. Padilla - Perhaps ban can make resources available for behavior help and nail trimming. Declawing costs $450. Nail trimming $15. That’s the equivalent of thirty nail trims. Am personally immuno-compromised due to breast cancer but still keep my cats and dogs.
Comr. Guldbech – Sees all concerned groups coming together to provide resources to provide alternatives to declawing.
Comr. Gerrie – Makes a motion that we recommend to the Supervisors that they ban declawing in SF. Seconded by Comr. Hemphill
5B. Public Comment
Dr. Jack Aldridge - Director of veterinary services at SF/SPCA – Reads SPCA policy which is against declawing Strongly recommends other options which the SPCA provides. Twice monthly cat-claw clipping clinics. Nail caps. Education on ways to prevent destructive scratching. SPCA does not recommend a ban on declawing if it prevents abandonment, relinquishment, or euthanasia. Cognizant that other local animal welfare groups do not have the SPCA resources to provide behavioral training making euthanasia an unavoidable option.
Susan Wheeler – Had written an ordinance in 2003 that was put aside until the West Hollywood law-suit was settled. Thrilled by possible ban.
Bill Hamilton – Supports ban. Cites survey in Cat Fancy magazine shows many people do not even try alternatives before having it done. Declawing is an elective procedure without benefit to the cat. Immune compromised people do not have the right to a companion animal if it means amputating the ends of its toes.
Julene Johnson – Would not go to her own vet to talk about behavior. Would go to a certified cat behavior specialist. Doesn’t believe that people that have their cats declawed have exhausted every option. Some in ACC could offer that resource service. There are many nail clipping services in SF. Some go to homes. Found first presentation more credible. Own cat was in pain for four days last week. Took four vets to figure out the cause of the pain.
Lana Bajsel – Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue – Rehomes cats with elimination problems rescued from ACC. 99% of the time, problem is eliminated due to a new, appropriate environment. Doesn’t know what happens behind closed doors to cause a cat to scratch.
Questions a vet’s ability to assess behavior problem in a cat.
Carrie Delugh -veterinarian & veterinarian acupuncturist – Most declawed cats she sees are geriatric and have chiropratic issues. Unable to properly stretch. Declawed cats lose elasticity in their body.
Delaura Perry - cat behavior expert – Co-runs Feline Minds, a cat behavior consulting group. Cats can be trained using humane methods. Declawed cats, placed in a shelter, have less options such as not being able to go outside the home.
L’Danyielle Yacabucci – Tired of cats suffering because of humans. Cat behavior problems often are overlooked by busy owners. Sees declawing as a financial gain for vets. Pain management is recent for humans not just animals.
Renee Pitten – Appellate court ruled that West Hollywood had the right to ban declawing on humane grounds. Hopes Commission will adopt similar language as West Hollywood . Last month, vet’s spoke at this meeting that they would counsel their clients against declawing. Hopes passing ordinance will relieve them of that responsibility.
Jennifer Conrad – Clearing up misperception. Has treated 60 to 70 large cats for declawing. Big cats that have the most problems are the bob cats weighing only between 20 & 30 pounds. Biggest cats, lions, weigh 600 pounds. Weight is not the issue.
Lisa Vittori - Cautions developing legislation on one man’s e-mail is worrying because we don’t know all the facts. Supports Rocket dog’s Pali Buchet advocacy efforts in the East Bay . If declawing is off the table, other ways are found to deal with problems.
Nadine May – Problems are brought about by people not knowing how to treat cats. Cats become aggressive by mishandling. Willing to make and put out brochures at own expense about proper cat handling.
Public comment closed
Comr. Stephens – Do you want to forward to the Board that they adopt the West Hollywood language?
Comr. Gerrie – Yes. That language has gone through the courts. Question for Dr. Gordon, a medical reason to remove a nail would just be for one digit?
Comr .Gordon – Yes, most likely. Depends on what the situation is, could be more.
Comr. Stephens – Do you want to include an educational campaign?
Comr. Hemphill – What is meant by that?
Comr. Padilla – Would probably go through ACC, informing of alternatives to declawing.
Comr. Brooks – Also giving all the resources for alternatives in one pamphlet.
Comr. Gerrie – Sees parallels to lobotomies as once being an answer to mental problems.
Comr. Gordon – When lobotomies went out of style it was led by medical professionals not legislators.
Comr. Stephens – Call a vote to recommend to the Board of Supervisors to ban the declawing procedure using the West Hollywood ordinance as a guide and to encourage providing information and resources as alternatives.
Comrs. Brooks, Stephens, Hemphill, Gerrie, Padilla all in favor. Comr. Gordon opposed. Motion passes
Comr. Brooks – Emphasizes need to educate the population at risk with limited resources for behaviorists.
Comr. Gerrie – Is suspect if the person behind the e-mail, Frank, is a real person. His complaint seemed to perfectly fit a reason not to ban declawiing.
Comr. Guldbech – Is planning to go out and visit with him
5. Unfinished Business
A) Discussion only of “no-kill”.
Comr. Padilla – Has come with one possible road map of concrete steps by already existing organizations working together under auspices of a new organization. Discussed meeting with Greg Castle of Best Friends and adopting “No More Homeless Pets San Francisco”. See as feasible. Number of other cities have done it. Can be funded by a grant application to Maddie’s Fund.
Comr. Stephens – There is also a document called “One possible Road Map” came from discussions of Comr. Padilla, Brooks, and myself. Similar to Best Friends model which creates a group to administer the program. Sees lack of leadership in SF. Doesn’t see it coming from local groups. Specifics are listed in this document to make no-kill succeed; spay/neuter, foster, adoptions, and education outreach. Document also includes what our commission can do, for example, making TNR an official City policy. Wrote it primarily to start the discussion and see what the Commission and public thinks.
Comr. Brooks – Goal is for everyone to come together with programmatic commitments. Beyond philosophy, what can we do?
Comr. Stephens – Mandating no-kill has been discussed at our meetings. Not convinced that groups, not in support, would actually do it or just adjust statistics to make it look like they were. Wants to make no-kill happen. Wants SF to be a leader again in this effort. If current organizations won’t step up, create ones that will.
Comr. Gerrie – Approves action items 1 through 7. Have had a hard time with the mantra that the SPCA is not stepping up and taking the leadership roll. Based on what? When one’s mind is made up, other arguments do not change ones conclusions. It’s hard for me to accept these comments against the SPCA. Felt own mind being closed. Kate Hurley’s commented that one can demonize people or think they are doing they best they can. Would have been more open-minded if not for disparaging remarks against the SPCA and I-know-better-than-you comments from the public.
Comr. Stephens – Number 8 is not disparaging either. Believes it would helpful for the Board to state this is City policy. It is one stop short of mandating no-kill as policy. It just says that City departments should not go against this policy from the Board.
Comr. Hemphill – Questions the effects of making TNR City policy. What will happen in the long term?
Comr. Brooks – If it comes that that is no longer an issue, perhaps in twenty years, address it at that time.
Comr. Hemphill – The SPCA has been the leader in TNR. They deserve some credit
Comr. Stephens – They do the surgeries and private people feed afterwards.
Comr. Gerrie- The SPCA also provides low-cost food for the feeders.
Comr. Hemphill – What are “Bully breeds”?
Comr. Padilla – There are six different varieties of pit bulls.
Comr. Stephens – Part of Best Friends No-more-Homeless-Pets campaign is to de-demonize bully breeds. They are trying to change the perception that pit bulls are inherently mean versus trained to be that way. There is always a breed that is perceived as vicious.
Comr. Padilla – The two breeds hardest to place, in California , are pit bulls and chihuahuas so have the highest euthanasia rates.
Comr. Stephens – Best Friends says you have to look at each community individually to address those problems. Pit bulls are a problem here. Chicago has a program against dog fighting by going into communities where dog fighting happens and making the argument showing that if you are treating your dogs this way, what are you teaching your children about life in general? Their program is a combination of child abuse and anti-dog fighting.
Comr. Brooks – We are not the first city to adopt this so we have clear models to look to and follow the other cities to be in dialogue with to see how they dealt with issues and moved forward.
5A) Public Comment
Julene Johnson – Our system for treating homeless pets is broken. We need to stand up for the animals who depend on us. Our city is a combination of multi-million dollar organizations working alongside groups that work on shoe-string budgets. The big groups are not stepping up and taking responsibility. There is no oversight of what happens to homeless pets in SF. We need guidelines for how homeless pets are cared for, and when they are killed. Best Friends is willing to help and so is FixSanFrancisco.org
Martha Hoffman – Read the one possible road map just now. Thinks it’s terrific.
Laura Fairbanks – Fix San Francisco – Doesn’t help SF to become a no-kill city when the SPCA brings in dogs and cats from out of the area. Most recent statistics shows that SF/SPCA adopted 160 dogs from ACC but brought in 941 from other counties. They took 1,895 cats from ACC but brought in 727. Has a handout about 20 dogs & cats that were brought from Arizona to the SF/SPCA meaning 20 local dogs & cats were not given the chance to be adopted. Willing to help to make SF a no-kill city.
Nadine May – Agrees with other speakers that system is broken. Gives example of a friend that can’t keep her cat that advised her not to place at ACC because they were full. Found a foster home on her own. Learned sick cats at ACC were to be euthanized. Foster homes for them. Kitten with ringworm were also going to be euthanized by ACC. Homes were found for them. Rescue groups are becoming burnt out. Must focus on SF’s animals and save them.
Lisa Vittori – Doesn’t care where animals come from. System everywhere is broken. Doesn’t like the tone of the conversations. Feels it’s toxic. Agrees with Philip in that. Glad only to be on Rocket Dog’s e-mail list because can’t take knowing all the dogs that are going to be euthanized at ACC the next day. Animals need homes and the SPCA rejects them because they are old or have a little behavior problem.
L’Danyielle – Loves Commission agenda language on no-kill that Commission will continue to explore a policy to ensure no adoptable animals is euthanized in SF’s shelters.
System is broken. Need someone from the outside to bring everyone together. TNR is the only way to help the ferals.
Kathleen McGarr – SF’s animals have been abandoned. Overburdened rescues don’t have the resources or the space to take them. Wouldn’t a no-kill mandate hold all players to a higher standard of accountability? Thrilled by the idea of a coalition. Thanks Commission for their work.
Lana Bajsel – Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue – SF needs to be the leader again in this. Shows flyer from American Humane Society of a workshop on how to kill them quicker. Should have a workshop on how to market them for adoption and nurture foster homes. Comr. Gerrie has not liked the disparaging comments against the SPCA and has a narrow perspective on what is going on.
Public comment closed.
Comr Stephens – Comr. Padilla will be in contact with Greg Castle about next steps. Comr. Brooks will be in contact with the Mayor’s Alliance in NY City. Will continue next month with some specifics.
Comr. Hemphill – The Mayor’s Alliance and Best Friends are the same thing?
Comr. Brooks – They are two different coalitions. Want to see what works from both models.
Comr. Padilla – Google “no more homeless pets Utah ” will take you to 8 US cities that have followed the Best Friends model.
6B) Update and discussion on the Outside Lands Concert being held 8/28-30, 2009
Comr. Hemphill – Had talked briefly with Rec & Park. They will bring in more than one million dollars, not dependent on numbers that attend. In 2008, 130,000 attended the concert. Website is sfoutsidelands.com. Crowds will be mostly in Speedway and Lindley Meadows and the Polo Field. Fencing is the most important issue. feral cat feeders will get passes to get in past the fences to feed their colonies. Last year fence was all the way to the ground. Would like to see at least six inches of space underneath for wildlife to use. There is also a lot of lighting at night. Hopefully they will address that issue. Trash is another issue for wildlife that are scavengers. Trash will be picked up by Sunset Scavengers throughout the concert. Bicycle parking is free. Shuttle transport will be provided. This year the fence will be put in sections. Gaps will be closed at the very last compared to last year when the fence was up for several more days than the concert.
Comr. Gerrie- Last year we had talked about ACC, one of the City agencies, to sign off on the permit. What happened to that? Our recommendation to Rec & Park was that they consult with ACC concerning wildlife.
Comr. Guldbech – Had not heard about it. Will look into it. Will contact Rec & Park.
6B Public Comment
L’Danyielle Yacabucci – Letter to Rec & Park, last year, probably didn’t make much of an impact. Going to their meetings and speaking would really help. Goat fencing is no longer an issue. We now have the right company that does the right thing. Mary Ann Buxton at SF/SPCA has to find the people to talk to for the feral cat feeders to get passes since does not have time to contact feeders herself. .
Comr. Hemphill – Last year we had four passes. Is that happening?
L’Danyielle – Not that I know, Some one has to talk with some one in charge.
Comr. Stephens – The feeders have to contact Mary Ann to get the passes?
L’Danyielle – Don’t count on Rec & Park calling SPCA. Last year animals were running along the fence trying to get through. Glad Comr. Hemphill is pursuing this. It is a serious issue.
7. General Public Comment
L’Danyielle Yacabucci – Thanks Commission for their work overall.
Kiska Icard – Thanks rescue groups and volunteers that participated in June 20th SPCA’s rescue, recycle, renew, adoption fair. Rescue groups adopted 22 animals. SPCA’s adoption brought the total to 58 animals find homes that day. Thanks groups that participated; ACC, Give A Dog a Bone, Milo Foundation, Wonder Dog, Muttville, The Dog Spot, Mickaboo, Grateful Dogs, California Chins, Tony’s Kitty Rescue, SaveABunny, Rocket Dog, Golden State Greyhound, Hopalong, Copper’s Animal Dream, and Working Cat Council.
8 & 9 Items for next Meeting and Task Allotments
Comr. Stephens – Next month will be further discussion on no-kill.
10. Adjournment 9:15 PM
Respectfully submitted by
Philip Gerrie
Commission Secretary