Good afternoon,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding Buddy the dog. My office has been in contact with Orange County Animal Services and the Orange County Legal Department.  An update is below:

Due to the nature of the incident, an invstigation took place in the field with all parties and witnesses involved.  The initial field investigation by an Animal Services Officer determines whether the dog should be considered for the "Dangerous Dog" designation.

Animal Services took custody of Buddy to quarantine him as a precaution for rabies.

As a result of the field invstigation, the matter was referred to the Division Manager to conduct a hearing and consider all of the evidence to determine whether Buddy should be designated as a "Dangerous Dog".

After the hearing, the Division Manager determined that Buddy met the qualifications in Section 5-32, Orange County Code, to be designated a "Dangerous Dog".

An appeals hearing before the Animal Services Classification Committee will be held on 3/29/12 to review the case and determine if the Division Manger's determination was supported by the evidence and correctly applied Section 5-32.

The owner of Buddy is able to pick him up at any time during this process as long as they follow the Dangerous Dog procedures and protective measures that ensue.

After the appeal to the Classification Committee, if the Dangerous Dog designation is upheld, then the owner may file a lawsuit with the Orange County court and let a judge decide.

Due to the requirement of Section 5-32 for an investigation and hearing, in no way is an Orange County Commissioner able to intervene or overturn a ruling.

Again, thank you for your concern in this matter.