What’s in a Name?

Can anyone guess what time it is? That’s right, it’s quiz time!

Since we’re all busy these days with so much to do and so little time in which to do it, this quiz will consist of only one question - but it’s an important one. So sharpen your pencil, put on your thinking cap, and get ready to dazzle everyone with your smarts.

What is the meaning of the word “control?”

(A) To order or rule over something or someone’s actions or behavior.

(B) The act or power of controlling; to command.

(C) The situation of being under the domination of a person(s) or group.

(D) A song by Janet Jackson guaranteed to get you on the dance floor in seconds.

(E) All the above.

If you guessed (E), you are correct - congratulations! Now why am I asking this? 

By way of explanation, we’ll focus on the first three options. This isn’t because I have anything against (D) as everyone loves 80s dance music. But I want to separate the positive connotations (Ms. Jackson) from the negative (ruling over, controlling, commanding, and dominating).

As those who read this column already know, San Francisco’s advisory board on animal issues is officially called the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare. This has been the commission’s name since its creation almost 40 years ago under Section 41.1 of the San Francisco Health Code. 

From what I know of its history, the commission was originally intended to address animal-related issues such as rabies and contagious diseases, as well as ways to control animals that probably weren’t doing anything intrinsically wrong or harmful but were seen by humans as a nuisance. Although the administrative aspects of the commission haven’t really changed much in the intervening decades, the focus and work of the commission has definitely evolved. 

These days, our work is guided by the belief that animals have just as much right to live in San Francisco as humans do. As commissioners, our duty is to identify ways to help improve living conditions for animals throughout the city in the hope that we can all compassionately coexist.

Which brings us back to the term “control.” At the commission’s next meeting on November 19, I hope to begin discussions about changing the name of the commission to better describe  its present day work and focus. In my view, the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare has a harsh, almost sinister, ring to it that does not accurately reflect the work currently being done by the commission. Why not have a different name, one that is truer to the commission’s goals? 

This could be as simple as just shortening the name to the plain-vanilla Animal Commission. Personally, I’m open to any possibility that doesn’t contain the word “control.” I know when I applied for a seat on the commission, it was not because I wanted to control, command, or dominate anyone or anything. I became a commissioner because I wanted to become more involved with helping animals throughout our city, and I am sure that my fellow commissioners felt much the same way.

So, dear Bay Woof readers, what are your thoughts about the commission’s name? Is “control” just a word that, unlike sticks and stones, will never hurt us? Or does it sound inappropriate and outdated? Is a name change worthy of discussion? Or should we just ignore these seven little  letters and get on with our lives?

Whatever your thoughts, please let us know by offering a comment when this item comes up for discussion at our November 19 commission Zoom meeting. 

We hope to “see” and hear from you there! 

* * * * * * * * * * *

The next meeting of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19. The meeting can be viewed at this link. Members of the public who wish to provide comments during meetings can do so by calling (415) 655-0003 and entering access code: 133 090 3855, then #. When the public comment period is announced, callers should enter *3 to be added to the speakers’ queue (there is a two-minute limit for comments).

For additional information about the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare, please visit our website at sfgov.org/animals. Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Supporting Documentation can be found at this link (agendas for upcoming meetings are published within 72 hours before that meeting).

* * * * * * * * * * *

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