Judge’s ruling spares Karma the husky from O.C.’s doggie death row

An Orange County judge has saved the life of Karma the husky.

Wednesday’s ruling wrapped up an intense battle between animal-rights activists and OC Animal Care, which had impounded the dog after her owner was arrested on domestic violence charges in May.

After finding Karma in Joshua Ogle’s apartment, authorities were told that she came from a wolf-dog breeder. A UC Davis test revealed that the animal had a wolf ancestor two or three generations ago. Ogle’s family said the husky was gentle.

According to Karma’s advocates, an OC Animal Care hearing officer had determined shortly after her “arrest” that the dog was not vicious. But Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, the center’s director and chief veterinarian, decided to euthanize the husky.

Karma’s supporters flooded the office of Todd Spitzer, chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, pleading for his help and citing an online petition with nearly 400,000 signatures.

That led Spitzer to call emergency board meetings and, after a 3-2 vote Monday, the board asked Superior Court Judge Corey Cramin to reconsider his order that the animal be euthanized.

On Wednesday, Cramin ruled that Karma should be taken to Full Moon Farm, a sanctuary in Black Mountain, N.C. Rescuers there have agreed to welcome the husky.

“I’m ecstatic and overwhelmed,” said Spitzer. “I’ve had dogs my whole life and I know how wonderful they are. Looking at Karma and hearing about her situation, I knew that she was not dangerous. That we took a dog from being on Orange County’s death row to safety and to possible reunification with her family is thrilling.”

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