Emily Moncur, a volunteer at OC Animal Care in Tustin, was attacked by Blaze, a black-and-white Labrador retriever and beagle mix, in August 2023. The lawsuit alleged negligence at the facility, claiming that Moncur was not informed about Blaze's known history of aggression due to previous abuse.
Moncur sustained severe injuries, including at least 18 bites across her body, after attempting to return Blaze to his kennel. Employees did not hear her screaming during the attack because they were encouraged to wear earplugs at work.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a proposed settlement of $450,000 in a closed-door session on March 10. The settlement was filed with Orange County Superior Court in mid-April.
Moncur suffers from nerve damage and visible scars as a result of the attack. She claims that Blaze's previous abuse was not disclosed to volunteers, putting them at risk during an adoption event two days prior to the attack.