Changes and Concerns Regarding Proposed Ordinance

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WORKING DOCUMENT 5 This approach gives Animal Services the ability to declare animals as vicious in some circumstances and hold them to standards that control aggressive behaviors. Should a new neighbor or other stranger approach a residence with good intention and the residence is home to a dog that is known to bite or attack, Animal Services would be unable to protect that citizen from a known behavior without such a distinction. The distinction does not prevent animals from protecting their property or family members. Dogs acting against trespassers that are on the property to commit crimes would not be subject to action and would not be declared as vicious or dangerous by Animal Services. 5. Livestock: Livestock concerns were brought to the attention of the BOCC during staff’s presentation of the unified ordinance. Several individuals voiced a concern that exists both in the current ordinance and the proposed one: specifically, whether livestock should be excluded from the definition of nuisance animals when they are at-large, or whether they should have separate regulations that govern them during such episodes. Staff has previously discussed the issue at-length with the Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB), and together they have addressed the issue of livestock with the Agricultural Preservation Board. During those discussions, the ASAB felt there was not a need at that time to revise the current ordinance and this was presented to the BOCC without problem. Staff suggests that any additional inquiries into changing livestock regulations be made separately from the unification process if there is an interest in further consideration of this subject. 6. Rural vs. Town: Several individuals suggested that there should be some difference between regulations for the Towns and rural Orange County. No specific areas of difference were identified in addition to the points discussed above. Staff is open to considering other items as needed and appropriate, but believes these should be considered on the basis of a unified animal control ordinance.