Alameda County Wild Animal Ordinance (still!)

[Guest guest]

Hey, all -

 

I'm planning to go with a few committed folks to speak at the Public

Forum at the Tuesday, June 15 meeting of the Alameda County Board of

Supervisors in Oakland. Same song, different verse.

 

This issue should never have been assigned to the " Fair Liaison

Committee. " From the beginning, I've stressed the need for an ordinance

applying to all of unincorporated Alameda County, all County-owned

property, as well as the County Fairgrounds. This issue should be heard

by THE FULL BOARD, as was originally scheduled back in July of 2003,

only to be cancelled at the last minute. Again, more than 200 support

letters were sent in (with only 3 opposed, all with vested interests),

plus letters from 13 animal organizations representing more than 100,000

members in Alameda County, three state legislators (Perata, Hancock,

Chan), even a hand-written note of support from Charlie Plummer, the

Alameda County Sheriff. The Supes need to listen to their constituents,

not try to pass off this issue to the State Legislature (where it would

get nowhere).

 

It takes only three Board members (I'm told) to put this item on the

agenda. I think it's worth a shot, especially since we didn't get a

fair shake the first time around. The recent goring of a keeper by an

elephant at Marine World should help our case.

 

Thus far, Margaret Wehinger and Shirley Lee have agreed to accompany me

to speak at the Public Forum. We're meeting at the Board chambers at

11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 15 (1221 Oak Street, Oakland). The regular

hearing starts at 10:00 a.m..

 

Please e-mail or call me if you're willing/able to speak up for the

animals. I'm hoping for a half-dozen or so, particularly those good

folks who attended the May 18 hearing before the " Fair Liaison Committee. "

 

If you can't attend the hearing, then PLEASE drop a brief note

requesting a public hearing before the full board. WRITE: Gail Steele,

President, ALAMEDA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 1221 Oak Street,

Oakland, CA 94612, tel. 510/272-6692; fax 217-5115, e-mail:

dist2. Now, if possible, but within the week,

assuredly. (And I'd appreciate a copy--Ms. Steele is not good at

sharing her correspondence with the public.)

 

I await your call.

 

For the animals,

 

Eric Mills, coordinator

ACTION FOR ANIMALS

tel. 510/652-5603