DeKalb has been working hard to address the needs of our furry friends and to identify solutions to the current challenges. Most recently, the administration’s FY23 Mid-Year Budget included $941,752 to the Animal Services’ operating budget. This included $200,000 to establish a pilot program to encourage the fostering of animals and to aid pet owners in reducing the number of animals surrendered to the shelter; $144,000 for a mobile veterinary clinic to provide veterinary services to areas most in need; funding to purchase an upgraded camera system; additional cages for the animal shelter; and, an additional $600,000 for Lifeline Animal Project’s contract to operate the animal shelter. I also worked to include $25,000 in this budget amendment specifically for a needs assessment and community outreach related to the expansion of the animal shelter. The general fund contributions to capital also include $1.6 million for an overflow facility to address the shelter overpopulation issue.
In addition to this action, I learned that the administration ordered a specialized vacuum cleaning system designed for kennels to aid in cleaning. DeKalb County also committed to additional cleaning throughout the week to augment the cleaning that the shelter currently provides. I know these funding allocations and immediate action will support the work of Lifeline Animal Project in managing the crisis overpopulation and cleaning issues at DeKalb’s shelter.
Recently, I introduced a resolution urging the administration to adopt the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board’s (DCASAB) 5-point Plan for a Better Tomorrow that outlines five goals to address many of the challenges you have shared with my office. This item will be on the November 8th Board of Commissioners meeting agenda.
Lastly, I am excited to announce that the D2 office is hosting a State of DeKalb Animals Address in 2024 to share information, learn from experts, and strategize for the future of our pets. We are looking for volunteers to help plan this important event. Please email Sonia Tyler at sstyler@dekalbcountyga.gov if you are available to help. Stay tuned!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 8, 2024
Commissioner Michelle Long Spears Announces the State of DeKalb Animals Address on Wednesday, April 10 at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur
Decatur, GA –Today, Commissioner Michelle Long Spears of DeKalb County’s District 2, in collaboration with a volunteer-led design team, announces the State of DeKalb Animals Address on Wednesday, April 10 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur. This is the kickoff to a series of events aiming to address, discuss, and tackle the animal services challenges facing DeKalb County.
The State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative envisions a robust, thriving animal welfare system where no animal faces abuse or neglect and zero companion animals remain homeless through the implementation of DeKalb County Animal Advisory Board’s “Common Sense Solutions: Plan for a Better Tomorrow,” which was adopted by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners last year. “DeKalb County has a responsibility to ensure the well-being of all animals within our community,” said Commissioner Spears. “Through SoDA, we are taking a collaborative, multi-faceted approach to address our animal services challenges and ultimately create a future where no animal is a victim of violence or neglect.”
We are delighted and honored that Dr. Gregory Berns, Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics at Emory University, agreed to serve as our keynote speaker for the day. He is the New York Times bestselling author of What It’s Like to Be a Dog and How Dogs Love Us and recognizes that “initiatives like SoDA are crucial for promoting animal welfare and
responsible pet ownership. By educating the public, implementing practical solutions, and fostering collaboration, we can significantly improve the lives of animals in DeKalb County,” said Dr. Berns.
The State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative acknowledges the difficulties of managing the animal services and shelter issues in our community, including high intake, reduced adoptions, staffing shortages, and overcrowding at our shelter. The “Common Sense Solutions” plan offers a practical and comprehensive approach to improving the lives of animals, managing the shelter population, and supporting pet ownership.
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Media Note:
About State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA): The State of DeKalb Animals initiative envisions a compassionate community in which every animal is valued, protected, and loved by fostering collaboration, innovative programming, and practical solutions.
Website: Visit our website at www.michellelongspears.com to learn more about the State of DeKalb Animals Address.
Social Media: Follow us on social media for updates on SODA and other DeKalb County news:
Please review the Common Sense Solutions:
Plan for a Better Tomorrow (5 point plan) provided by the DeKalb County Animals Services Advisory Board.
SoDA Speakers
Dr. Gregory Berns
Distinguished Professor of Neuroeconomics at Emory University - New York Times bestselling author
Claudine Wilkins, Esq
Renowned animal law expert.
Speech Topic: Connection between Animal Problems & People Problems
Moderator
Commissioner Michelle Long Spears
Meet the Panelists
Gloria Dorsey
Gloria J Dorsey, DVM, MPH (She/Her)
Vice President of Community Education and Advocacy, Atlanta Humane Society. Gloria J Dorsey is a native of Jacksonville, FL and has been on staff at the Atlanta Humane Society for 27 years and is currently the Vice President of Community Outreach and Advocacy. She was previously the Vice President of Medical Services for more than 18 years. A graduate of Tuskegee University in Alabama, Dr. Dorsey received a B.S. Degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of her Doctorate Degree, she completed a master’s degree in public health – Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Claudine Wilkins, Esq
Renowned animal law expert.
Claudine is an animal law expert and experienced public speaker. She has assisted many municipalities with reviews of their animal legislation and has even authored some of the existing state-wide legislation. The D2 office is in the process of hiring Claudine to review DeKalb County’s existing animal ordinances and work with our office to propose amendments to the ordinances and navigate the proposed legislation through DeKalb County’s Law Department (Which D2 and other Districts have had difficulty doing). Commissioner Spears has suggested that we get Claudine to talk about the importance of legislation as a tool in the fight against animal overpopulation and to present the results of her review of our ordinances. We are working toward being able to present our proposal for new DeKalb County animal legislation at the SODA Address.
Alvin T Wong
Honorable Judge Alvin T Wong
Wong immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong when he was fourteen years old. He holds the distinction of being the first Asian Pacific American to run for public office in metro-Atlanta. He is also the first Asian Pacific American to be elected judge in the Southeast. Wong is married to Jeannie Lin, a creative communications consultant. They live in Atlanta, Georgia, with their two cats and a dachshund.
Lisa Milot, Esq
Ms. Milot is the Annie and Zack Stanton Distinguished Professor
Ms. Milot is the Annie and Zack Stanton Distinguished Professor of Canine Welfare Law at UGA , and also the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization AthensPets. She can expertly make the connection between animal overpopulation (particularly from backyard breeding, but also from unintentional breeding) and problems that affect communities including cost to taxpayers, mental health of shelter workers, public health and safety, reduced government revenues from business licenses and sales taxes, use of dogs in violent criminal enterprises including dogfighting, which is often intertwined with organized crime, racketeering, drug distribution gangs, and more. Her article, “Backyard Breeding: Regulatory Nuisance, Crime Precursor” is the first published article to make these important connections. As the founder of AthensPets, Ms. Milot has also led efforts at the Athens-Clarke County Animal Shelter that have reduced puppy intakes by half, and the shelter has not had to euthanize for space since February 2021. Ms. Milot can address the importance reducing euthanasia rates by reducing intake through increasing spay/neuter and other efforts, and not just by focusing on increasing adoptions and rescues. Professor Milot focuses on laws, programs, and policies to improve animal welfare and, by extension, human welfare. She is the recipient of a PetSmart Charities "Access to Care" grant, under which she and her students designed and run a popup vet care program that provides subsidized veterinary care for the pets of residents in systemically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Athens and work to change norms around pet care to better the lives of the most vulnerable animals in the community and the people who love them. Moreover, she designs and runs programs to efficiently and humanely reduce pet overproduction and shelter overcrowding.
Sherriff Melody M. Maddox
Sheriff Melody M. Maddox of DeKalb County
Sheriff Melody M. Maddox of DeKalb County epitomizes a lifelong dedication to law enforcement, viewing it not just as a profession but as a noble calling. With over two decades of experience across various metropolitan agencies, including the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, City of Atlanta Police, and DeKalb County Police Departments, Sheriff Maddox has consistently championed the safety and well-being of DeKalb County residents, from adults to seniors to young people. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Sheriff Maddox has garnered accolades from various organizations and publications, solidifying her status as one of Georgia’s most influential law enforcement officials. As a proud Atlanta native and DeKalb County resident, Sheriff Maddox continues to lead with distinction, supported by her family and deeply ingrained values of service and integrity.
About The Event
We look forward to hosting you at the State of DeKalb Animals Address Luncheon
The State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative acknowledges the difficulties of managing the animal services and shelter issues in our community, including high intake, reduced adoptions, staffing shortages, and overcrowding at our shelter. The DeKalb County Animal Advisory Board’s “Common Sense Solutions” plan offers a practical and comprehensive approach to improving the lives of animals, managing the shelter population, and supporting pet ownership.
This luncheon is the official kick-off and the first of a series of events aimed at tackling the animal challenges facing DeKalb County.
