Artists and those who display works showing animal cruelty could wind up behind bars under a proposed law being heard today by a city commission.
The Humanitarian Art Ordinance would allow the district attorney to bring charges against any artist who creates images of animal cruelty as well as the person putting the work on display, according to Christine Garcia, author of the law and a member of The City’s Animal Control and Welfare Commission.
The law was proposed in response to a San Francisco Art Institute exhibit that consisted of video screens showing six barnyard animals being struck and killed by a hammer. The March exhibit was canceled in response to public outcry and threats.
The legislation would require approval by the Board of Supervisors.
