Gene Baur’s Comments on City of L.A.’s Proposed Ban on Live Animal Markets

Gene Baur’s Comments on City of L.A.’s Proposed Ban on Live Animal Markets

Council File Number: 20-0425-S011

Comments for Public Posting:

I am writing to urge the Council to vote in favor of Motion 11 (Koretz – Blumenfield) today, which seeks to address live animal markets in the city and the unacceptable risks they pose. Animals sold at live markets are often sick, and yet, they are denied appropriate veterinary attention. Live markets subject animals to inhumane and stressful overcrowded conditions where bacterial and viral pathogens can spread from one animal to another, and from animals to people. These markets are a breeding ground for disease, and they threaten our health and humanity. Treating animals as inanimate commodities instead of as living feeling animals and subjecting them to intolerable cruelty that creates human health risks is outside the bounds of acceptable conduct in our society. I urge you to vote YES on Motion 11 and to move to outlaw live animal markets in Los Angeles. Thank you very much for your thoughtful consideration.