Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 2
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
Resolution in Support of DeKalb Citizens and Their Pets, Facility and Service Expansion, and Prevention of More Homeless Pets
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears
Phone Number: 404-371-2863
PURPOSE:
To approve the resolution in support of DeKalb citizens and their pets, facility and service expansion, and prevention of more homeless pets.
NEED/IMPACT:
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant negative impacts to health and wellness of DeKalb animals. Many DeKalb citizens stepped forward to adopt shelter pets, giving the DeKalb Animal Shelter a brief period when it was not filled over the pandemic. Further, many DeKalb citizens have been negatively affected by the continuing economic conditions following the pandemic and, as a result, have had their resources significantly strained to take care of their pets, some of whom have made the difficult decision to surrender their pets back to the shelter. A combination of a growing population, a decision to build a same-capacity facility, the economic effects of the pandemic, and a significant number of animals being held for Court cases has produced considerable strain on the operations of the shelter care. The attached resolution:
1. supports the immediate expansion of the shelter to a capacity established by past, current and projected needs analyses and structural and utility feasibility of the site; and,
2. supports the immediate identification of an ancillary site or on-site temporary shelter; and,
3. urges the use and adoption of policies to quickly reduce and, over time, stem the future flow of Court held animals by securing immediate surrender through Animals Services and prosecuting attorneys, using State of Georgia law regarding motion to dispose and costs of care transactions, and establishing impoundment bonds; and,
4. supports expansion of services for free, affordable, and accessible pet care, food, shelter, and medication for families with pets in need of help; and
5. urges the enforcement of existing ordinances related to pet transfers and sales, as well as the development of licenses for breeding.
6.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Mid-year Budget Amendment and SPLOST II Project list
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the Resolution in Support of DeKalb Citizens and Their Pets, Facility and Service Expansion, and Prevention of More Homeless Pets and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents.