News Summary
Emily Moncur, a volunteer at the Orange County Animal Care facility, has filed a negligence lawsuit following a violent dog attack that left her severely injured. The lawsuit alleges that shelter supervisors failed to provide adequate warnings and training while leaving her alone with an aggressive dog. Moncur’s injuries were extensive, drawing attention to potential safety shortcomings at the facility. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about animal care protocols and volunteer safety.
Severe Dog Attack at Orange County Animal Care Leads to Negligence Lawsuit
Tustin, CA – Emily Moncur, a 45-year-old volunteer at the Orange County Animal Care facility, has filed a negligence lawsuit against Orange County after an incident on August 21, 2023, left her severely injured. During the incident, a dog named Blaze attacked Moncur, resulting in 18 bites that caused her to lose consciousness and sustain extremely serious physical and psychological injuries, according to her attorney.
The lawsuit, lodged on August 18, claims that the shelter supervisors failed in their duty by leaving Moncur alone with Blaze without providing any warnings regarding the dog’s violent behavior. Moncur’s screams during the attack allegedly went unheard, which purportedly exacerbated Blaze’s aggression.
According to the suit, the shelter, which services 14 cities and took in 1,435 animals in July 2023, has a history of not adequately identifying potentially dangerous dogs. Moncur states that she did not receive any training on handling dog attacks or the correct procedures for returning a dog to its kennel safely. The shelter’s limited staffing also resulted in volunteers being required to work alone with dogs, which increased the risk of incidents like this one.
Furthermore, it was noted that volunteers were encouraged to wear earplugs, which may have further impeded communication during emergencies. Moncur reportedly fought with Blaze for seven minutes while attempting to drag him toward the facility’s front in a desperate bid to seek help.
The lawsuit alleges that had Moncur not been alone or if assistance had arrived sooner, her injuries could have been significantly less severe. Currently, Moncur is seeking unspecified damages, highlighting the struggles she has faced since the attack.
Background Information on the Incident
The incident took place during Moncur’s volunteer shift when she was tasked with photographing the dog known as Blaze. As she was returning Blaze to his kennel, the dog unexpectedly attacked her. This type of incident raises questions about the shelter’s protocols and the apparent lack of precautions in handling potentially aggressive animals.
Moncur’s experience as a volunteer was supposed to contribute positively to the community by helping to care for abandoned and stray animals. However, this incident has drawn attention to potential shortcomings in safety measures at the facility. The attack not only represents a horrific experience for Moncur but signals broader concerns regarding animal control and safety for volunteers working with potentially dangerous dogs.
Response from Authorities
In light of the ongoing litigation, a spokesperson for Orange County has declined to comment on specific details regarding the case. This stance is common in legal disputes, where comments on pending cases are typically avoided to preserve the integrity of the legal process.
The Orange County Animal Care facility has a significant role in the community as it aims to provide care for numerous animals each month. However, this incident raises critical questions regarding volunteer safety and the protocols in place to protect those who selflessly dedicate their time to help animals in need.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit may lead to changes within the shelter’s operational policies, particularly concerning the handling of potentially dangerous animals and the protection of staff and volunteers. Public interest in this case remains high, given its implications for animal welfare and volunteer safety in community animal care facilities.
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Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
