Selling Zoo Animals
The Times properly expressed concern about surplus zoo animals sold to commercial dealers and breeders, which later ended up in private hunting ranches where they are brutally killed.
The concern is legitimate and the problem is real.
The City Council recently enacted an ordinance strictly regulating the sale of our surplus zoo animals, prohibiting sales to those who have previously sold animals to hunting ranches and requiring a tracking system to make sure that the animals are used only for humane breeding and zoological purposes.
To date, our new system has worked well. Coupled with our policy of reducing the number of surplus animals by avoiding overbreeding, the Los Angeles Zoo has taken a major step toward protecting our innocent animal friends.
JOEL WACHS
Councilman, Los Angeles
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