MISSION VIEJO : Trial by Fire for Animal Control Plan

It took about two hours to illustrate why residents pushed the city to hire its own animal control officer.

On Wednesday morning, after dog-catching duties were officially passed over from the county to the city, Mission Viejo’s new animal control officer walked right into a crisis when a 2-year-old child was severely bitten by a family pet.

“The dog’s mouth covered the child’s face,” the new officer, Marcus Nieto, said. “Both cheeks had punctures and lacerations. The father said if (the dog) had grabbed that baby by the throat, it would have been all over. It was a little more excitement than I expected on my first day.” The child was treated at a hospital for the injuries and released.

City officials said they hope to have a “pro-life” animal shelter built in Mission Viejo by early next year. But, unwilling to wait until then to handle its own animal problems, the city canceled its animal control contract with the county. In the meantime, strays will go to the Cambria Kennels in Santa Ana.

For supporters of the animal shelter, Nieto’s quick response to the emergency was vindication of the city’s decision.

“That’s why we need him,” said Ellen Faulds, vice president of the Mission Viejo Friends of Animals, a volunteer group that will staff the proposed animal shelter. “You need to have someone close by to deal with these problems.”

Faulds is one of 50 volunteers who have come forward to run the city program, which organizers say will go far beyond simply finding a home for local strays.

Using the proposed shelter as a home base, city officials hope to implement a campaign to teach the public about humane treatment of their pets.

“A lot of people think of animals as toys and throwaways,” Faulds said. “They’re living creatures that hurt and feel physical and emotional pain. We need to educate people to spay and neuter their pets and proper ways to care for them.”