Animal Lover Advisory: Explicit Content Herein

Gawker dropped a bomb on legions of animal lovers in San Francisco earlier this month: New York based artist Tom Otterness, who was contracted by the city to create a series of statues for a local subway station, is known to have shot a dog ‘in the name of art’ back in 1977.

Otterness publicly apologized for his gross act of animal cruelty (documented on film, no less) in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 2008 saying, “Thirty years ago when I was 25 years old, I made a film in which I shot a dog. It was an indefensible act that I am deeply sorry for. Many of us have experienced profound emotional turmoil and despair. Few have made the mistake I made. I hope people can find it in their hearts to forgive me.” The question is, can San Franciscans forgive this man? Then give him public funds for a large commission?

The artist’s deceptively whimsical bronze sculptures depicting politically-spiked characters have found homes in New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento and Minneapolis. Hardly the most judgmental cities in the US, but still – supporting a dog killer?

For now, the San Francisco project is on hold pending an investigation of the artist. It’s a tough call: everybody deserves a little forgiveness, and Otterness’ work is both culturally relevant and distinctive. Still, we’re more-or-less a nation of dog lovers here in the US, and we don’t take kindly to anyone – artist or otherwise – mistreating our toothy, tail wagging, four-legged friends.

The good news is that it shouldn’t be too hard for the City of San Francisco to find another talented and worthy artist in need of $750,000.

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