Is It Time to Review Animal Guardian Requirements?

Commissioner Torres is seeking a compassionate review of the city’s minimal requirements for animal guardianship. photo: AdobeStock

Each of us may be unique in our own way, but there is one character trait we all likely share: most of us seem to have a favorite number. Right now, my favorite number is five. After all, we’re in the fifth month of the year, and in about five more months, I’ll celebrate my fifth year on the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission.

But even more importantly, five marks my little Cricket’s adoptiversary! It was just about this time five years ago that we brought him home from Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, shortly after they pulled him from the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control.

Although I’ve adopted and fostered a number of senior dogs over the years, Cricket, unlike the others, had spent time at our city’s shelter before being rescued by Muttville. In fact, I had seen him at the shelter just a few days before I adopted him from Muttville. And it was what I learned of Cricket’s time at Animal Care and Control that motivated me to get more involved in city animal issues and apply for a seat on the Animal Commission.

As commissioners, we consider every animal-related issue and communication that comes to our attention, not only through our own experiences, but also through the shared experiences of others. Recently, I heard from someone who was upset over what she strongly believed to be the neglect of a senior dog in her neighborhood. After talking to a number of people who were also concerned about this situation, I learned the dog was kept outside his family’s home for long periods of time and was most likely not receiving the medical care he needed.

In San Francisco, Health Code 41.12 Duties of Owners or Guardians establishes the responsibilities for guardians of an animal (other than domestic cats), including minimum requirements for shelter, water, feeding, confinement (tethering), and exercise. After animal control officers visited the residence of the dog in question, they determined that the minimum living requirements for the dog were, in fact, being met. Though it’s heartbreaking that a senior dog with medical issues would endure long periods of time outside in cold, rainy weather while his family remained warm and comfortable inside, no laws were being broken. Sadly, not too long afterwards, the dog was surrendered by the family and, due to health reasons, was euthanized.

Cricket is celebrating his five-year adoptiversary with Commissioner Torres. photo: Michael Angelo Torres

Some who were understandably shaken by this episode have since approached me about Health Code 41.12, asking if it is time to take another look at the city legislation that allowed this to happen. In response, I began reaching out to a number of others – including past members of the commission who participated in the creation of Health Code 41.12 – and they have agreed that a compassionate review of the legislation is warranted. In the days ahead, I plan to meet with different members of the community for their thoughts. I also plan to meet with different city department representatives to talk about possible next steps. I look forward to collaborating with the community to see what legislative changes we can make, and what we can do together to help and better protect the animals in our city.

Speaking of which, be sure to tune in to our May meeting for a presentation from Project Coyote, an especially timely briefing as we approach coyote pup season. As with all our meetings, the community may attend in-person or remotely via WebEx. Please plan to attend this informative presentation to learn more about these fascinating animals and how we can better coexist with wildlife in our community.

See you at City Hall!

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The next meeting of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9, in Room 408 at City Hall (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102). Information concerning remote access to meetings is available on our website. Agendas for upcoming meetings are published 72 hours in advance.

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Please be aware that the views and opinions expressed in this column are those of Commissioner Torres and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare.