Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
Resolution urging DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to Reaffirm Our Commitment to the "No-Kill Animal Shelter" Policy
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
To support a resolution urging DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to reaffirm our commitment to the "No-Kill Animal Shelter" Policy that the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners passed in November of 2017 for the DeKalb animal shelter, becoming the 2nd county in Georgia to do so.
NEED/IMPACT:
The DeKalb County governing body understands that many jurisdictions are challenged with the overcrowding of its animal shelters and that are committed to DeKalb County's intention to ensure that animal welfare aligns with modern best practices, the heartfelt wishes of its residents, along with the immediate need to find solutions to mitigate the number of unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats.
• Numerous communities across the U.S. have ended the killing of healthy and treatable animals in their municipal shelters, achieving placement rates of 95% - 99%.
• The No Kill Equation, a comprehensive model of humane programs and services, has consistently proven its effectiveness, leading to a nationwide shelter death rate decline of 95% and promoting a shift from buying to adopting pets.
• Traditional methods of managing animal shelter populations through killing are not only inhumane but also economically inefficient. In contrast, the No Kill Equation’s programs are cost-effective and present potential revenue opportunities.
• Major corporations, such as Google, have recognized and praised communities that prioritize animal welfare, highlighting the appeal of such places to a “young, vibrant, pet-loving workforce”.
• Ensuring public safety remains at the forefront, with No Kill mandates resulting in notable reductions in severe dog bite incidents.
This resolution supports the immediate need for the formation of an animal welfare task force made up of relevant departments, animal advisory board members, the judicial system, the Board of Commissioners, the Law Department and community stakeholders to review, advise and act on the full implementation of the “no-kill equation” program and policy framework.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact unknown at this time
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To adopt this resolution urging DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to reaffirm our commitment to the "No-Kill Animal Shelter" Policy and to form an Animal Welfare Task Force made up of relevant departments as an example, illustrating how compassion, innovation, and accountable governance can seamlessly coexist in the domain of animal care.