OC Board Approves Dangerous Dogs Ordinance

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — The Orange County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved an ordinance changing how vicious dogs will be defined and handled.

The ordinance institutes the definition of a dangerous canine and procedures on how to deal with them. Officials considered but rejected a proposal to create a website that would allow residents to see where dogs have been cited in 17 area cities.

Some pets will be able to be released back to their owners during an investigation, which would save the county money in animal care.

Under the plan, dangerous dogs will be labeled Level 1, 2 or 3, with Level 3 animals set to be euthanized.

Owners of Level 3 dogs will be able to request a hearing with decisions appealable to County Superior Court, officials said.