Orange County NC Website
<br /> <br />This is also an excellent illustration of the interdependence of the ASAB <br />and the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. One of the ordinance <br />amendments allowed for the review and revocation of a dangerous animal <br />declaration made under the ordinance. This amendment was developed <br />because of concerns voiced by members of the Hearing Panel Pool that <br />lifelong declarations and restrictions were onerous and unreasonable. <br /> <br />In a related vein, the ASAB has collaborated with staff to develop several <br />recommendations for the county’s legislative agenda. As can be seen from <br />Attachment B, these include a number of recommended changes to the <br />state’s dangerous dog law. Specifically, they would allow for the review of <br />potentially dangerous dog declarations; for dogs declared potentially <br />dangerous to interact with a certified trainer in a secure area without being <br />muzzled; and for there to be an evaluation of dogs seized in dog fighting <br />cases in order to make a final determination as to whether they are <br />dangerous. <br /> <br />The ASAB worked with staff to develop several other important <br />deliverables. One was to develop a more satisfactory procedural approach <br />to animals suffering from neglect that are surrendered to Animal Services. <br />Another was a coordinated effort between Animal Services and the <br />county’s Homelessness Coordinator to identify community resources that <br />can be tapped to help care for pets belonging to the homeless as they <br />undergo different transitions. Others included the review of outside agency <br />funding applications and applications for the annual Pat Sanford Animal <br />Welfare Award. <br /> <br />The ASAB also supported staff in developing and working within <br />community partnerships. As previously mentioned, there is ongoing <br />contact with the Agricultural Preservation Board regarding the working <br />barn cat program. Staff has also been working with the county’s <br />Homelessness Coordinator, human service providers and others to <br />develop resources for pets belonging to people who are homeless or <br />experiencing problems with housing. There has also been initial discussion <br />about the possibility of Orange County Animal Services working with <br />Orange County Adult Care Home Advisory Committee to introduce pets <br />into assisted living facilities in Orange County. <br /> <br />Finally, the ASAB continued to assist the BOCC in ensuring that board <br />vacancies are filled in a timely and effective manner. It routinely makes <br />recommendations to the BOCC based upon interviews with candidates for <br />vacant positions. It also provides each new member with an orientation, <br />which includes an introduction to the board, a review of county policies for <br />boards and commissions, and an overview of Animal Services operations. <br />List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. <br />