Agenda Item 1 - County Commissioners-Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plans-Reports

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