Lexus Project to File Appeal for Buddy on Monday

Buddy, the pit bull who bit a dog in defense of his owner, has been declared dangerous by the Orange County Animal Control in what appears to be a clear violation of the county law.

The case of the Orange County pit bull, Buddy, reflects the attitude of animal control staff toward pit bulls. While Buddy was attacked by two small dogs, he remained in control until one of the dogs, a sheltie, tried to bite Buddy’s owner. But coming to the defense of his owner brought Buddy literally to the death row. An officer from the Orange County Animal Control arrested Buddy and the sheltie, and let the smaller dog go but held Buddy for a hearing. Last week, Buddy was declared dangerous after a ‘hearing’ conducted by a staff member of the animal control. This is where law was ignored and personal judgment let to rule.

The county law clearly states that “no dog may be classified as dangerous or potentially dangerous if the dog was protecting or defending a human being within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified attack or assault.” (5-29, Orange County Code). Yet, Buddy was declared dangerous by the animal control based on the statement of the owner of the small dogs that started the problem and made Buddy bite in defense of his owner. Worse yet, the owner’s statement is said to be incoherent with his position confused and changed more than once. The testimony of Buddy’s owner was simply overlooked.

The Lexus Project is going to file an appeal tomorrow at the local court on behalf of the Buddy, a victim of breedism in Orange County. The dog’s future remains uncertain while his facebook page is gathering support for saving him from injustice. To help pay the dog’s expenses, legal and other, while he is held captive, a donation page has been put up where his supporters can donate online.