Re: [Media-advisors] FW: Working Group Update July 23 11PM

This is a reasonable approach, especially if it is made clear that one view of an environment through a video is not a good way to evaluate the living conditions. Does she have one house full of big birds? So does Claudia, but she has a separate play stand for each Amazon and macaw and their cages always have toys and things to do for the birds. She also spends a full day every 24 hours feeding the birds and scrubbing the cages. I don't understand what this whining that we won't "work with them" is all about. We don't spend a lot of time with any other rescue -- what do they want us to help do -- rescue their birds? We have all sorts of advice and resources on our website that they can access at any time. When have they asked us to "work with them" that we turned them down? What specifically were they asking for? On Sat, Jul 24, 2010 at 2:54 PM, Elizabeth Y wrote:

Regarding the Wing Foundation (see latest below), I don't know that we want to be the 'Bird Rescue Cops' and critique others' efforts from a video but if someone has well founded concern for the well being of Dana's birds, now might be the time to share it.

Otherwise, I'll express that, while there are several red flags in the video, we would not want to speculate about the current condition of the WF's birds based on a video.

I'll also forward the types-of-birds to ban responses and seek permission to share Philip's email with Irena. When I last asked about giving it out (not to Irena), he asked that I forward to him instead.

Anything anybody wants to add/modify before I respond to Philip's group?

e

------------------------------ From: Philip Gerrie Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 2:38 PM

To: harris.rose@att.net Cc: Elizabeth Y ; Sally Stephens < stephensfw@mindspring.com>; saveABunny@aol.com; Pam Hemphill < pam.hemphill@gmail.com>; Kim Flaherty ; Elliot M. Katz DVM ; Anna Williams

Subject: Re: Working Group Update July 23 11PM

The complaints about her/ from her are that ACC does not work with her, Peninsula Humane does, Mickaboo does not work with her, Rick, from Animal Company, does. Complaints are that she doesn't keep the birds in adequate conditions. The video shows her place. it was suggested to actually pay a visit. I was wanting to understand what about her place is not good for the birds. It didn't look like a hoarding situation to me. When does it become a hoarding situation?

Philip

On Jul 24, 2010, at 11:36 AM, LDY wrote:

Well what can I say. She is a 501c3 and taking animals that are neglected and bringing them back to health. I don't know her and have to believe she's doing a good job. I still don't like anything in a cage but these birds only have one other option, being killed. I wish she did adoptions. It is possible to get good homes for rescued animals, just a little work as we all know.

What do others think? L-Danyielle

--- On *Fri, 7/23/10, Philip Gerrie * wrote:

From: Philip Gerrie Subject: Working Group Update July 23 11PM To: harris.rose@att.net Cc: "Elizabeth Y" , "Sally Stephens" < stephensfw@mindspring.com>, saveABunny@aol.com, "Pam Hemphill" < pam.hemphill@gmail.com>, "Kim Flaherty" , "Elliot M. Katz DVM" Date: Friday, July 23, 2010, 11:32 PM

A couple of queries. As we consider a ban on the sale of birds, do we consider *all* birds or just the exotic parrot species as delineated by HSUS?

Good choices

Canaries, finches, cockatiels, parakeets, and lovebirds are birds who have a long history of selective breeding in captivity and can be considered domesticated strains of wild species. Their basic needs are more easily met, proper supplies to care for them are readily available, and these birds can live long, happy lives in a caring home. Better kept in the wild

In comparison, birds like conures, parrots (of whom there are many varieties), macaws, cockatoos, and toucans are problematic because they have not undergone the same process of long captive breeding and genetic selection. These birds are still wild animals, even when bred in captivity. As such, their normal behavior can make them difficult and demanding to live with. Dana Strome's video of her bird house in the Mission, http://sfpublicpress.org/news/2010-06/bird-shrink, Comments? From the video can you see problems with how she is keeping care of her 50 parrots?

That's it for now, Philip

I didn't know Ken White wrote for SFGATE. Do you know if he's on any type of submission schedule for them? I always read his pieces in The Examiner but they stopped carrying him. He can be good. I thought his article was good, thanks for letting us know about it. L-Danyielle

--- On *Wed, 7/21/10, Philip Gerrie http://mc/compose?to=glassgerrie@gmail.com

...

* wrote:

From: Philip Gerrie http://mc/compose?to=glassgerrie@gmail.com

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Subject: Working Group Update July 21 11AM To: "Elizabeth Y" http://mc/compose?to=adoptkings@gmail.com

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Cc: "Sally Stephens" http://mc/compose?to=stephensfw@mindspring.com>, saveABunny@aol.com http://mc/compose?to=saveABunny@aol.com, "Pam Hemphill" http://mc/compose?to=pam.hemphill@gmail.com>, "Kim Flaherty" http://mc/compose?to=kflaherty@pacbell.net>, "Rose Harris" http://mc/compose?to=harris.rose@att.net>, "Elliot M. Katz DVM" http://mc/compose?to=emk@idausa.org

...

Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 11:06 AM

I looked this up this AM

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/white/detail?blogid=102&entry_id=67533

I thought it was very well written. You may have seen it already.

Philip

On Jul 20, 2010, at 9:54 PM, Philip Gerrie wrote:

I will call Ed Buck in LA about sunsetting time allowance and the small business perspective. He's been very helpful. He originally introduced in West Hollywood the dog and cat ban. I don't remember if the issue came up there. Philip

Begin forwarded message:

*From: *"Elliot Katz" *Date: *July 20, 2010 8:20:35 AM PDT *To: *"'Philip Gerrie'" *Subject: **FW: Working Group Update July 20 6:25 AM* *Reply-To: *

Hi Philip, you might want to call the LA people and get their input. Did this issue come up there?

*From:* Philip Gerrie [mailto:glassgerrie@gmail.com] *Sent:* Tuesday, July 20, 2010 6:27 AM *To:* Rose Harris *Cc:* Elizabeth Young; Kim Flaherty; Pam Hemphill; Anna Williams; Elliot M. Katz DVM *Subject:* Working Group Update July 20 6:25 AM

I've expanded this list a bit. Let me know if anyone does not want to be on it.

I could use some help in this Small Business Commission angle. It sounds like Rick, of the Animal Company, thinks his business interests should trump animal welfare concerns. Are their precedents to cite?? Sally is out of town so I'll be going. Also what are suggested phase-out times if the ban is approved for existing pet stores?? One year? Two years? Three years? more?? Philip

The Small Business Commission has been contacted by a small business bird retailer who requested that we become involved in the discussion over prohibiting the sales of animals in San Francisco. The Legislation and Policy Committee has requested an information only presentation by the pet store owner at its July 26 meeting and we will welcome a presentation by a representative of your department and/or the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare. These presentations are for information only and will allow the Committee to be better informed on this issue. We are asking that presentations be limited to 7-10 minutes in length. No action will be taken by the Committee at this time.

The meeting will be held on Monday, July 26 from 5:00-7:00pm at City Hall in room 400. This will be the second item on the calendar, though the first item may take some time. Unfortunately, we cannot make a prediction on what time it will be called, other than our intent is to stay within the scheduled meeting time. Information that the Committee hopes to receive from your department includes background on the proposal, reasoning behind amendments (our understanding is that it began as prohibiting the sale of cats and dogs,) along with a timeline.

If a representative of your team is able to make a presentation, please put them in contact with me and I can work with them on any final arrangements or logistics.

Regards,

Chris

Chris Schulman Senior Policy Analyst / Commission Secretary Office of Small Business City Hall, Room 110 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place San Francisco, CA 94102

Phone: 415.554-6408 Fax: 415.558-7844

On Jul 19, 2010, at 9:09 PM, Philip Gerrie wrote:

Rebecca intends to talk, one to one, with the Mayor soon so he can understand what the concerns and issues are. That should help.

Pam and I met with 11 of the twelve Supervisor's aides or interns today. Many Supervisors, we were told, care a lot about animals, witness the recent Meatless Monday resolution, first passed in SF and taken up in cities all over the world. That all seemed open to what we would be proposing. Several asked if we had a sponsor yet, needing at least one Supervisor to actually take it on. We don't and won't until we vote on something. Several had had conversations already with Rebecca. All in all, better than we had hoped after having been flooded, in some cases, with PIJAC and NAIA inspired e-mails. http://www.pijac.org/petinformation/breakingnews.asp and http://www.capwiz.com/naiatrust/issues/alert/?alertid=15168701&type=CU.

The aides suggested being specific to what we propose versus just "pets" for instance. I am unclear of whether to propose banning all birds or just of the parrot species along the lines of HSUS. Another concern was when should go into effect. Immediately for dogs and cats. 3-6 months for 'smalls' and ?? (three years) more? less?for the birds. Thoughts?

PIJAC is interesting in that they oppose anything and everything having to do with legislating selling animals. They oppose banning a sale of pythons and constrictors as they take over the Everglades. Any further comments or reflections Pam?

Loose lips sink ships, so be wary of forwarding this around. Philip

On Jul 19, 2010, at 2:49 PM, LDY wrote:

Politics make me crazy. Such a shame that the Director of ACC can't just tell the public what's right and best for the animals. This is her job??? We live in such a sad world. L-Danyielle

--- On *Mon, 7/19/10, Elizabeth Young * wrote:

From: Elizabeth Young Subject: Re: working group? To: "Philip Gerrie" Cc: harris.rose@att.net, "Pam Hemphill" , "Kim Flaherty" Date: Monday, July 19, 2010, 10:26 AM Even if ACC is not in a position to speak publicly for the ban, I think now is a really opportune time for them to express their concerns about the plight of shelter pets- the numbers, the need for volunteers, for donations (for themselves and the rescues that support the animals- Mickaboo's expenses are going ever higher and we're struggling!), for spaying and neutering, for thinking about shelter pets...

It seems like they could speak to the problems on the animals' behalf even if not committing themselves to the ban as a solution.

e On Sun, Jul 18, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Philip Gerrie wrote: ACC is supportive. Rebecca suggested that Supervisors can call her and she'll tell them her position. Since she's a mayoral appointee, and the mayor isn't sure where he stands currently on this, she can't go public public but more behind the scenes at the moment. Pam was at the same meeting with Rebecca and perhaps confirm what I heard?

Philip

On Jul 18, 2010, at 11:31 AM, LDY wrote:

Yes, ACC's verbal input is vital. They were very instrumental in getting a cat declawing ban passed in SF last Winter. How can we get them to speak out? Actually I don't know how much they support this proposal, I would hope all of it. L-Danyielle

--- On *Sun, 7/18/10, Elizabeth Y * wrote:

From: Elizabeth Y Subject: RE: working group? To: "Philip Gerrie" , harris.rose@att.net Cc: "Pam Hemphill" , "Kim Flaherty" < kflaherty@pacbell.net> Date: Sunday, July 18, 2010, 9:14 AM

A thought/question-

I know that SFACC really appreciates all that the rescue organizations do to keep animals out of the shelter; to help care for, socialize and ease their time while in the shelter; and to save them from being euthanized when their time is up.

I'm wondering what they have to say about all this and think their voices have particular importance in this discussion.

I think that SFACC could generate considerable support for their own needs, for adopting rather than buying/breeding, and for the ban by speaking up more right now.

Everybody in the SF "pet world" has an incredible opportunity to be heard right now- this story is nationwide- and I think the rescue folks can use this to help rescue animals no matter what happens with this ban.

I'm happy to share this with SFACC leadership directly if that would be a more appropriate approach.

Thanks, Elizabeth

------------------------------ *From: *Philip Gerrie *Sent: *Saturday, July 17, 2010 9:31 PM *To: *harris.rose@att.net *Cc: *Elizabeth Young ; Pam Hemphill < pam.hemphill@gmail.com>; Kim Flaherty *Subject: *Re: working group?

I'm planning to talk with Supervisors or, more likely, their aides, Monday. i'll have a better sense of what to do after that I hope.

Philip

On Jul 17, 2010, at 9:31 AM, LDY wrote:

I'm interested in helping. What would it involve? Maybe we have to meet to figure that out? L-Danyielle

--- On *Fri, 7/16/10, Philip Gerrie http://mc/compose?to=glassgerrie@gmail.com

...

* wrote:

From: Philip Gerrie http://mc/compose?to=glassgerrie@gmail.com

...

Subject: working group? To: "Elizabeth Young" http://mc/compose?to=adoptkings@gmail.com

...

Cc: "Pam Hemphill" http://mc/compose?to=pam.hemphill@gmail.com>, "Kim Flaherty" http://mc/compose?to=kflaherty@pacbell.net>, "Rose Harris" http://mc/compose?to=harris.rose@att.net

...

Date: Friday, July 16, 2010, 10:25 PM Hi Elizabeth et al, ( In lists of persons, *et al.* (an abbreviation of *et alii*, meaning "and others"))

I think it would be good to identify who wants to be active in making this ban happen. Once identified, meet to strategize, etc before the next ACWC meeting. I can only represent myself and not speak for the Commission. We could do much of it via e-mail. I plan to be going to City Hall monday to visit all the Supervisors about this as they have been bombarded by those against the ban. It looks like PIJAC is a driving force. A David & Goliath scenario? The minutes from the last meeting will be helpful. They will only be available, though, when posted on the ACWC website. Pam, please let me know if you think I am overstepping in any way doing this.

Thank you, Philip