Since 2005, the dangerous dog fee was $742, initially, and $515 for a yearly inspection. “Seemed more of a penalty than something that was covering costs that we’re providing services for,” said Emily Bonilla, Orange County Commissioner, District 5. But after Gaviria brought the issue to Commissioner Bonilla, who took the concern to the board, a unanimous vote dropped the fees drastically. “It seems they were charging that fee based on what everybody else was charging, rather than look at the actual cost,” Bonilla said.

County Commissioner Emily Bonilla, who asked the commission to intervene in the issue, stood by the rescue group. “There are complaints about our animal services, which are legitimate complaints,” Bonilla said. Ending the group’s contract “really was a personal issue, a personal vendetta,” she said. “This is unfair.” Rescue Me Orlando, through its 30,000 Facebook followers, often publicizes hard-to-place animals, including those that are sick, old or deemed aggressive, and tries to find suitable foster families.