Great strides made in DeKalb County animal care, but challenges remain
DeKalb County agencies are making progress in improving the quality of life for shelter and court-case animals, with increased adoptions, spay/neuter services, and foster homes, but challenges remain in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases. The post Great strides made in DeKalb County animal care, but challenges remain appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
Great strides are being made as DeKalb County and state agencies work together to improve the quality of life for shelter and court-case animals, authorities reported at its third State of DeKalb Animals luncheon on April 1.
Hosted by DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, the event, held at the Brookhaven City Centre, focused on animal cruelty enforcement with keynote speaker Jessica Rock.
Spears, known as “animal commissioner” by many, provided encouraging statistics at the beginning of the session. While intake in 2025 increased 7.4% to 9,766 animals, adoptions were up 23.4%, she reported.
More than 700 lost animals were returned to their owners, and the number of foster homes made available for dogs and cats increased significantly. The county has also invested more money, about $1.18 million, for spay and neuter services, and increased clinic hours for owners needing low-cost options for annual care.
But, she warned, “while we are moving in the right direction, we are still facing challenges.”
“Animal well-being is a community issue, and we see it with lives changed, both for our four-legged and two-legged friends,” Spears said.
Rock, who heads the first department in the state that prosecutes animal crimes, said court-held animals – pets confiscated as a result of cruelty or neglect – are spending far too long in shelters waiting for cases to be adjudicated.
“There is a strong connection between animal cruelty and human cruelty,” Rock said. “Animal crimes are never just about the animal.”
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She acknowledged that the longer an animal remains in shelter custody while cases wind their way through the system, “the more the animal suffers.”
Foster care is often the best alternative to holding an animal in the shelter, and swifter prosecution through inter-agency cooperation would also assist in clearing cases and allow animals to be permanently adopted.
“No one agency can solve this issue,” Rock said. “When the teamwork isn’t strong, the animals suffer. “
The ceremony also honored several volunteers who have provided exemplary service in bettering the lives of animals.
Sonali Saindane, a member of the DeKalb County Animal Advisory Services Board, was recognized as a champion of animals. Scott McLane, a longtime advocate for animals in the county, was recognized as an unsung hero at the luncheon. Finally, Peggy McCarthy, who had earlier updated attendees on several animal-related bills in the state legislature, was honored with the SODA Partnership Award.
Spears was also surprised with a special award from Cindy De Witt Iacopella, the Georgia State Director for Humane World for Animals, honoring her years of animal advocacy.
After the awards, a panel, including DeKalb Lifeline CEO Rebecca Guinn, DeKalb Public Safety Director Darnell Fullum, Natasha Wallen, the director of the county’s animal enforcement services, and Rock, participated in a panel discussion about how the agencies work together to protect and care for DeKalb County animals.
The post Great strides made in DeKalb County animal care, but challenges remain appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
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