Leaders to gather for State of DeKalb Animals update on April 10

DeKalb County and LifeLine Animal Project have been engaged in a push-and-pull for months over shelter conditions, operations, policies, and funding.

DeKalb conducted an external audit in February on DeKalb County Animal Services, which is managed by LifeLine. Shelters have been so overwhelmed by cats and dogs that fees have been reduced to nearly nothing. The city of Brookhaven sponsors the adoption fee of any resident who adopts from LifeLine.

Reaching a fever pitch, the State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) is being held on Wednesday, April 10, at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur with elected leaders, advocates, and community members.

SoDA is the first event in a series on the challenges plaguing DeKalb’s animal services.

“Together, we’re shaping a future where every animal is valued, protected, and loved,” said Claudine Wilkins, an animal law expert and attorney.

Emory University professor and author of “What it’s Like to be a Dog,” Dr. Gregory Berns will serve as the keynote speaker.

DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears will lead a panel discussion with:

• Animal law expert Wilkins
• UGA professor Lisa Milot
• Veterinarian and social justice advocate Gloria Dorsey
• DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox
• DeKalb State Court Judge Alvin T. Wong

LifeLine CEO Rebecca Guinn said the shelter has been able to save more than 90 percent of the animals entering the DeKalb County shelter for several years.

“We faced substantial challenges in 2023 with more people needing help, more animals entering the shelter, and fewer adopters and rescue partners to help get animals out of the shelter. The shelter can only serve as a band-aid for a community-wide problem,” Guinn said. “We are proud to partner with DeKalb County.”

“I’m honored to facilitate this critical conversation alongside such esteemed experts in their respective fields,” Spears said. “Together, we’ll delve into the intricate relationship between animal challenges and societal well-being, forging a path toward a more compassionate, healthy, and harmonious community.”

The SoDA initiative seeks an animal services system where every animal is safeguarded from abuse or neglect, and zero companion animals are left homeless. Grounded in the DeKalb County Animal Advisory Board’s “Common Sense Solutions: Plan for a Better Tomorrow,” adopted by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners last year, SoDA aims to create a future where no animal suffers due to violence or neglect.

Seating is limited and registration is required.

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