Board Vote Allows San Francisco Residents to be Recognized as Animal "Guardians"
By a vote of 8-3 San Francisco becomes the 7th U.S. city to codify the term animal guardian

SAN FRANCISCO — During its Monday, January 13th meeting, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 to approve a measure introduced by Board President Matt Gonzalez which amends City and County codes to recognize individuals as the “owner or guardian” of their animal companions rather than solely the “owner.” The vote makes San Francisco the seventh city in the nation to codify animal guardian language, joining West Hollywood and Berkeley, CA; Boulder, CO; Sherwood, AR; Amherst, MA; Menomonee Falls, WI; and the state of Rhode Island in setting this important precedent.

A growing number of people see animal “owner” as an outdated term that does not reflect the human/animal bond that exists in our culture today.

“The San Francisco Supervisors need to be commended for their foresight and conviction in helping erase animal abuse and abandonment by using language to exert a positive influence on the way people view and treat animals,” said Dr. Elliot M. Katz, president of In Defense of Animals.

“Being a guardian of an animal companion signifies a higher level of responsibility, respect and care for our animal friends. Animals need to be regarded as more than the material property of an owner. Replacing the term “owner” with “guardian” is a conceptual move toward recognizing the importance and needs of animals. The term “owner” denotes an apathetic relationship to material and inanimate things. The term “guardian” denotes a positive and mutually beneficial bond between two living beings, where constant care, attention and affection are necessary for a thriving relationship. It instills respect for and appreciation of our companion animals.”

Kelley Filson, Director of Humane Education for the San Francisco SPCA, added: “In teaching children about animals, the first most basic concept taught is that they are not toys or things. When young people understand this, lessons about kindness, respect and compassion become intuitive. But once outside the classroom, signs, forms, and people reinforce the message that animals are things. Use of the term “guardian” keeps us from sending mixed messages to our children.”