GCAS.org

Volume 1, Number 4 (August 23, 2010)

TOP NEWS

Pet Store Pet Ban. PIJAC urged a strong showing at the August 12 meeting of the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare to oppose a ban on the sale of pets by pet stores.  San Franciscans responded, resulting in a second lengthy hearing on this proposal, and the Commission opted to table the proposal rather than move forward with an expected vote.  The issue is not dead, however, as Commission Chair Sally Stephens asked stakeholders to work towards a consensus on an alternative proposal.  The details of what that proposal may ultimately look like remain vague, but the initial focus is on better educating pet owners about the animals they are taking home as pets.  While PIJAC remains opposed to restrictions that would make pet ownership excessively difficult, the pet industry has pledged to participate in a process to reach reasonable standards.  Commissioner Stephens has indicated her intent to take the issue up again at a January 2011 meeting.  If the Commission is not satisfied with an alternative proposal, it could well return a recommendation of an outright ban.  PIJAC continues to encourage pet-loving citizens of San Francisco to let Commissioners, as well as elected members of the Board of Supervisors, know that restrictions limiting the ability of people to responsibly own pets are not appropriate…or acceptable.  For more detailed information on this issue, please refer to PIJAC’s PetAlert.