Rules Committee appoints six members to Animal Control and Welfare Commission

The Rules Committee considered multiple applications to fill six seats on the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare and voted to appoint a slate mixing incumbents and new applicants.

Chair Aaron Peskin summarized vacancies and noted seat 7 requires a licensed veterinarian (no candidate present). Applicants and incumbents described experience in animal welfare, fostering, rescue and public education; priorities included eliminating certain poisons to protect predators, expanding pet-friendly housing policies, humane education for children and planning for companion-animal needs in emergencies.

Applicants who spoke included incumbent Anne Marie Fortier, Heidi Hofer, Irina/Irina Ozeranoy (applicant name appears in the record as Irina Ozeranoy/Irina Ozernoy), Iris Chan, Jane Tobin and Michael Angelo Torres. Public commenters included one speaker in support of Irina Ozeranoy. Chair Peskin proposed a slate to balance incumbency, expertise and representation: Anne Marie Fortier (seat 1), Irina Ozeranoy (seat 2), Nina Irani (seat 3), Iris Chan (seat 4), Jane Tobin (seat 5) and Michael Angelo Torres (seat 6). Supervisor Chan voiced support. The roll call recorded Supervisor Stephanie, Supervisor Chan and Chair Peskin voting "aye," and the appointments passed without objection.

Next steps: the newly appointed commissioners will be notified and terms will proceed according to City rules; a vacancy for a licensed veterinarian (seat 7) remains open.