Attempt to change status gives LA dogs their day

Pet owners likely to be called 'guardians' in Los Angeles

source: Duncan Campbell
Guardian July 15 2002 p14

Pet owners are likely to be called 'guardians' in Los Angeles as part of a campaign to encourage people to be responsible owners, rather than seeing pets as disposable items of property. The campaign has been led by a group called In Defence of Animals, from northern California. The Animal Services Commission in Los Angeles has decided to use 'guardian' rather than 'owner' in its documents, and is considering whether to campaign for 'guardian' to be used in LA as a whole. Some dog breeders oppose the change, according to a campaigner, who explains this in terms of their seeing dogs as property. Some LA vets are also worried about pets being given new rights.

DO,LW