New Year, New Opportunities

There’s lots to work on in the new year. photo: AdobeStock

Now that the champagne bottles have been recycled, the confetti swept up, and the holiday cheer is tucked away once again, I’m ready to welcome 2026 head on. I’m also happy to announce that I’ll begin my fifth term as chairperson of the San Francisco Animal Commission. As you can imagine, I’m honored to be able to continue serving in this role, and I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners in the months ahead.

In addition to my volunteer gig as a commissioner, I recently started working with In Defense of Animals, overseeing that nonprofit’s Bay Area campaigns. While I remain committed to my work on the commission, this new position allows me to advocate for animals in ways that extend beyond service on a public body. Although these roles are different - and very separate - both allow me to help animals and the people who care about them. I now have more tools, more reach, and more opportunities to work directly with members of the community, partner organizations, and decision makers to push for meaningful change.

But back to the commission. There are three issues we’ll be focused on in the coming months: ongoing issues with the San Francisco Zoo, banning the use and sale of glue traps, and the proposed increase of artificial grass in city parks. Here’s a bit about where we are on each of those matters.

The San Francisco Zoo remains a topic of strong public interest and concern. Over the past year, many advocates and activists have spoken up about the animals and the future direction of the zoo. These conversations are not always the type of conversations that City Hall wants to hear, but they are necessary. The animals who live in the zoo depend entirely on human choices, and those choices must be guided by transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to their wellbeing. Although there have been a number of recent changes at the zoo, including the much-needed resignation of its long-time Executive Director Tanya Peterson, there is still a lot of work to do. The commission will continue to participate in these discussions and support efforts that put animals first.

Another critical issue is the use of glue traps in our city. These devices are inhumane, causing prolonged suffering to wildlife, and can also pose safety risks in homes, particularly if they are within reach of children or companion animals. The commission has discussed and viewed presentations about the devastating impact glue traps have on animals throughout the Bay Area. Moving forward, the goal is clear: education, advocacy, and working toward a ban. If other California cities like West Hollywood, Ojai, and Culver City can ban their sale and use, why can’t San Francisco?

The third issue is artificial grass in city parks. While it is often promoted as a low-maintenance solution, artificial turf replaces living land with plastic, disrupts habitat, and negatively impacts birds, and other wildlife. Parks should support both people and nature. As park projects move forward, we will continue to advocate for solutions that protect urban wildlife and preserve natural ecosystems.

But wait, there’s more!

At our January meeting, we hope to have a presentation on an inspiring proposal to transform the San Francisco Zoo into a conservation-focused eco park. With zoo attendance way down (556,175 visitors is the current annual average compared to the pre-COVID average of 910,730 visitors), the zoo desperately needs a positive change. Moving away from a traditional zoo model to a more compassionate and innovative park would be perfect.

Also on the January agenda is a discussion on spay/neuter policy changes being presented by the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control. The policy being presented is similar to the policy in place in Los Angeles, and we look forward to learning more about it at our meeting.

As we start the new year, I feel energized and hopeful. Yes, there’s a lot of work to do, but there is also momentum, dedication, and a community that continues to show up for animals. I look forward to the year ahead and to working with you to make San Francisco a safer, more compassionate place for all beings.

See you at City Hall!

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The next meeting of the Commission of Animal Control & Welfare will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, January 8, Room 408 at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102. Information concerning remote access to meetings is on our website (agendas for upcoming meetings are published within 72 hours prior to that meeting).

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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.