Orange County NC Website
7 <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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 /> 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 />