San Francisco Commission of Animal Welfare and Control to View Evidence of Problems at S.F. Zoo

In Defense of Animals to Give Video Tour of Inhumane Conditions at Zoo

San Francisco, Cal.—In Defense of Animals (IDA) will urge the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare on Thursday to address numerous deficiencies at the San Francisco Zoo, many of which were identified earlier this month by a team of internationally recognized zoo experts.

IDA will take the Commissioners on a video tour of numerous exhibits, including some new enclosures that fail to ensure the animals’ well being or meet their basic needs.

What: IDA presentation to Commission on animal welfare problems at S.F. Zoo
When: Thursday, February 14, 2008, 5:30 p.m.
Where: San Francisco City Hall, Room 408 (fourth floor)

The Commission invited IDA and San Francisco Zoo representatives to make presentations at the Thursday meeting. The Commissioners will vote on a proposal to create a subcommittee to conduct further research and to make a recommendation to the City regarding animal welfare concerns at the Zoo.

Since the tiger tragedy in December, Recreation and Park officials have been reviewing management and operations of the city-owned zoo. However, animal welfare issues have not been addressed.

IDA is calling on the Board of Supervisors to convene independent hearings on animal welfare and oversight issues at the zoo.

IDA is an international animal protection organization based in San Rafael, California.