Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Alameda Municipal Code by Adding Section 7-9.9 (Animal Testing Ban) to Article 7-9 (General Provisions) of Chapter VII (Animal Control) to Prohibit Animal Testing and Experimentation on Property Owned or Controlled by the City of Alameda in its Proprietary Capacity. (City Attorney's Office 10023040)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
Yibin Shen, City Attorney
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On January 16, 2024, by way of referral, the Alameda City Council directed staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting animal testing and experimentation on property owned or controlled by the City of Alameda (City). The proposed amendment to Chapter VII (Animal Control) of the Alameda Municipal Code is presented for City Council's further consideration of that issue. To support the City Council in its decision-making, this staff report includes information on the regulatory framework that governs animal testing and emerging alternatives in the biomedical field; a summary of community and stakeholder feedback on the proposed animal testing ban; and an explanation of steps that would be taken to implement the ordinance if approved.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the Alameda Municipal Code is silent on the topic of animal testing and experimentation on property owned or controlled by the City. Therefore, such uses may occur if otherwise allowed. For example, with City Council approval the City may enter a lease agreement for City owned property with a tenant that includes use language authorizing the tenant to engage in animal testing on the property. Or, the City may be a tenant on a third-party landlord's property and, if allowed by the master lease, sublease the property to a subtenant that intends to engage in animal testing on the property.
The City does not currently have leasing, licensing, or other real property agreements with tenants conducting animal testing activities on City owne...
Click here for full text