1 - Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plan Summaries

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42 What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? Legislation: The ASAB hopes to work toward changes in the state dangerous dog law, allowing a review of these declarations, in the context of Orange County's Legislative Agenda. ASAB will request the BOCC to ask of Orange County's legislative caucus to introduce a special bill in the Short Session to allow an exception, only within Orange County, of state law mandating a lifelong muzzle requirement for dogs declared to be dangerous, by instead allowing for a review after 18 months upon good behavior upon appeal to the OCAS Director as permitted under OC county ordinance. Task Forces: Task forces are established as needed. For 2022, the ASAB intends to advance and complete task force efforts in three areas: • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion • Amending Ordinances for Keeping and Exhibiting Exotic Animals • Review Noise Ordinance and Zoning in residential areas with respect to keeping of roosters Managing Pet Overpopulation: The ASAB continues to support staff efforts to manage free-roaming cats more effectively and more humanely. In particular, the board works with OCAS staff to coordinate with the Agricultural Preservation Board and other entities to advance the "working barn cat" program. More generally, the board works with staff to ensure that organizational forms and practices responsible for the county's success in managing overpopulation, are recognized, supported and extended into the future. Unified Animal Ordinance: The ASAB continues to coordinate with county staff to identify and address "issues" in the administration of the ordinance in areas that may be subject to administrative appeal. As in the past, it is expected that this may bring forth recommendations for ordinance amendments based upon the experience of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool with the appeal process. ASAB Vacancies and Other Deliverables: The ASAB reviews applications for the annual Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Award, reviews outside agency funding applications, and provides other deliverables as needed. The board assists the BOCC in ensuring that ASAB vacancies are filled in an effective manner and new members are oriented in a timely manner. In this pursuit, care and effort will be given to diversity and making the ASAB a more representative body.