In Defense of Animals to Outline Animal-Welfare and Rescue-Focused Solutions for City-Owned Zoo

San Francisco, CA . . . Today, In Defense of Animals (IDA) and local residents will urge the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare to take action to address animal welfare problems that have plagued the San Francisco Zoo for decades. In addition to prioritizing animal welfare, IDA is calling for transformation of the San Francisco Zoo into an exotic and native wildlife rescue-based center, expanding a widely-supported trend begun two years ago with the zoo’s rescue of two grizzly bear cubs.

IDA also seeks improved oversight of the zoo and is requesting that the Board of Supervisors amend the management contract between the City and the San Francisco Zoological Society to ensure that animal welfare is a top priority in zoo management and operations.

WHAT: Special meeting on Animal Welfare Problems at SF Zoo

 

WHO: San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare           

 

WHEN:  Friday, February 29, 2008 @ 5:30 p.m.

 

WHERE: SF City Hall City Hall, Room 416 (fourth floor)

 

 

The Commission officially invited IDA, local organizers and San Francisco Zoo representatives to speak at the meeting.

Since the tiger tragedy in December, Recreation and Park officials have stated that they are reviewing management and operations at the zoo. However, animal welfare issues have not been a major focus of this review. In addition, IDA is skeptical that the Recreation and Park Commission can provide an independent inquiry into the zoo’s problems, since, as the entity responsible for zoo oversight, it shares responsibility for the zoo’s managerial, public safety and animal welfare failures. IDA is calling for the Board of Supervisor to convene independent hearings on animal welfare and city-oversight issues at the zoo.

IDA is an international animal rescue and advocacy organization based in San Rafael, CA.

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