Welfare Commission Stalled Regarding San Francisco Zoo

This evening the San Francisco Commission on Animal Control and Welfare was meant to vote on the wording for their recommendations to the SF Supervisors regarding animal welfare at the San Francisco Zoo, but the effort was stalled due to wording on the meetings agenda.

The city attorney, most likely prompted by zoo officials, stalled the vote concerned that the agenda did not throughly outline the commissions plan to agree on wording and move forward with recommendations.

A special meeting is planned in the coming weeks.

Zoo officials failed to attend the meeting, but sent an employee who sat at the rear of the room and took notes.

The commission once again heard from the public who urged the commission to act swiftly on matters and to explore what role the current zoo management plays in animal neglect at the zoo.

The commission voiced their distaste at the current zoo conditions.

In addition to transitioning the zoo into a rescue facility the commission will recommend the supervisors create “Zoo Oversight Committee” that will include animal welfare experts, along with representations from the Zoological Society and the Recreation and Park Department. See a draft of the recommendations.

While one of the commission members is spot on about the zoo being " a life sentence with no parole " It sure is important that government bureaucracy doesn't allow the current management to continue business as usual.

Zoo management must change if San Francisco Zoo is to ever transition into a place concerned about animal welfare.