News Summary
Emily Moncur, a former volunteer at the Orange County Animal Care facility, has filed a negligence lawsuit after suffering severe injuries from a dog attack by Blaze, a reported aggressive dog. The lawsuit claims a lack of safety precautions and warning measures contributed to the incident. Moncur alleges that during the attack, she was left alone without assistance, and her claims highlight the shelter’s inadequate handling of potentially dangerous animals and insufficient volunteer training. This incident raises significant questions about the safety protocols in place for volunteers working with animals.
Former Volunteer Alleges Severe Injuries from Dog Attack at Orange County Animal Shelter
Tustin, CA – Emily Moncur, a former volunteer at the Orange County Animal Care facility, has filed a negligence lawsuit against the county after allegedly suffering severe injuries from a dog attack on August 21, 2023. Moncur claims she was mauled by a dog named Blaze, sustaining significant physical and psychological trauma.
The attack occurred while Moncur was returning Blaze to his kennel after taking photographs. According to the lawsuit, the dog bit her 18 times, causing her to lose consciousness. Moncur alleges that she screamed for help for nearly seven minutes, but no assistance arrived during the critical time when she struggled to free herself from Blaze.
Described as a mix of Labrador retriever and beagle, Blaze was reportedly known for aggressive behavior, which Moncur’s attorney argues the shelter failed to address adequately. The lawsuit contends that shelter supervisors left Moncur alone with Blaze without any safety precautions or warnings, leading to the unfortunate incident.
Details of the Incident
On the day of the attack, Moncur was volunteering to photograph dogs for adoption and had already taken pictures of 14 other dogs that afternoon. The complaint claims that Moncur had not received adequate training on handling dog attacks nor had she been instructed on the proper procedures for safely returning dogs to their kennels.
The shelter’s operational structure reportedly contributed to the risk factors present during the attack. Volunteers like Moncur were often required to work alone with dogs, limiting the availability of immediate help. Compounding the issue, volunteers were encouraged to wear earplugs, which might have hindered their ability to hear potential calls for assistance from fellow volunteers.
Lawsuit Overview
Moncur filed the negligence lawsuit on August 18, 2023, seeking unspecified damages for her injuries. Her legal representation emphasizes the need for accountability from Orange County Animal Care regarding the events leading to this preventable incident. The lawsuit argues that Moncur’s injuries could have been significantly less severe if she had not been left alone with Blaze or if help had arrived sooner.
The complaint further states that the shelter is responsible for not identifying the dangerous tendencies of certain dogs and for failing to provide sufficient training for volunteers. Moncur’s attorney indicated that the deficiencies in safety protocols contributed directly to the traumatic experience she endured.
Background Context
The Orange County Animal Care facility’s procedures and training methods for volunteers are under scrutiny as the lawsuit unfolds. The incident raises broader questions regarding the safety measures in place for volunteers who work closely with animals that may have unpredictable behaviors. The negligence lawsuit places emphasis on the shelter’s responsibility to recognize and mitigate risks associated with dog handling.
As of now, a spokesperson for the county has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. This incident highlights the potential dangers volunteers may face in animal care settings and emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive training and safety protocols to protect both the animals and individuals working with them.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Dog Mauling at OC Animal Shelter Sparks Negligence Suit from Volunteer
- Patch: Volunteer Gets Mauled, Dog Files Lawsuit Against OC Shelter
- ABC7: OC Animal Care Shelter Expands Hours to Increase Chances of Adoptions
- Wikipedia: Dog Safety
- Google Search: Dog Attack Safety
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.
