S.F. Panel Backs Use of 'Pet Guardian'

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare has voted to recommend changing city laws to include the term "pet guardian" when referring to relationships between animals and people.

The move, championed by the animal rights group In Defense of Animals, was passed by a commission vote Thursday and sent to the Board of Supervisors, which has the power to order the change.

Commission Chairman Richard Schulke said recognizing people as "pet guardians"--a semantic change aimed at undermining the idea that animals are human property--was a moral step in the right direction.

"This is a very emotional issue . . . especially for me," Schulke said.