Save San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission
The San Francisco “Commission Streamlining Task Force” wants to eliminate the Animal Control and Welfare Commission — the only public forum for animal issues. Please tell the San Francisco task force to keep the Animal Commission.
Please email your letter by Nov. 5 to: CommissionStreamlining@sfgov.org
[Copy & Paste Letter]
Subject: Please Keep the Animal Control and Welfare Commission
Dear Members of the Commission Streamlining Task Force,
I urge you to keep the Animal Control and Welfare Commission in place. It provides San Franciscans with a vital public forum to discuss animal issues openly and transparently.
The Commission represents a wide range of voices — from pet owners and veterinarians to wildlife advocates and residents across the city. Without it, those perspectives would be lost.
Eliminating the Commission would not save money, since it has no staff or budget. Instead, it would remove the only public body focused on animal welfare and shift more work to the Board of Supervisors.
Please protect this important space for public participation and accountability.
Sincerely,
Please email your letter by Nov. 5 to CommissionStreamlining@sfgov.org
Go the SF Commission of Animal Control and Welfare for more infomation: https://www.sf.gov/support-the-animal-commission
[Sample letter with issues]
Dear Members of the Commission Streamlining Task Force,
I am writing to strongly urge that the San Francisco Commission of Animal Control and Welfare be kept in place.
The Commission Represents All San Franciscans
The Commission listens to a broad and diverse range of voices — pet owners, wildlife advocates, veterinarians, animal rescuers, and residents from every part of San Francisco. It does not serve a narrow constituency but provides a balanced platform for all perspectives on animal welfare.
ACC Cannot Replace the Commission’s Role
The Animal Care & Control (ACC) department cannot take over the Commission’s functions. The Commission often hears complaints about ACC staff and policies — meaning ACC cannot both be the subject of criticism and the body receiving it. Expecting ACC to fill that role would overburden staff and undermine public accountability.
Eliminating the Commission Saves Nothing
Since the Commission has no staff and no budget, eliminating it would not generate meaningful financial savings for the City. There is also no duplication of effort — no other commission addresses animal issues — so its removal would not improve efficiency.
Protect the Board of Supervisors’ Bandwidth
Without the Commission, animal-related concerns, complaints, and requests for action would flow directly to the Board of Supervisors and their staff, overwhelming them with issues the Commission currently helps address and resolve.
Keep a Public Forum for Animal Issues
San Franciscans value having an open, transparent, and accessible forum where they can discuss animal-related concerns and policies. The Commission provides that space — and eliminating it would silence the public’s voice on crucial animal welfare matters.
Thank you for considering the importance of preserving the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare and the vital public service it provides.