Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 2
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Commission Districts
A Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County, Georgia, Reaffirming the County’s Prior Authorization to Seek Recovery of Costs of Impoundment and Care for Court-Held Dogs Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 4-11-9.8; Urging the DeKalb County Law Department to Resume Filing Cost-of-Care Petitions; and to Create a Court-Held Dog Coordinator Position
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Michelle Long Spears
Phone Number: 404-371-2863
PURPOSE:
Adopt a Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County, Georgia, reaffirming the County’s prior authorization to seek recovery of costs of impoundment and care for court-held dogs pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 4-11-9.8; Urging the DeKalb County Law Department to resume filing cost-of-care petitions; and to create a court-held dog coordinator position.
NEED/IMPACT:
This resolution is needed to reaffirm the Board’s prior authorization and address the ongoing fiscal and animal welfare impacts resulting from the prolonged impoundment of court-held dogs. Despite existing authority, cost-of-care petitions have not been filed in recent months, leading to growing numbers of animals held for extended periods, significant and avoidable County expenses, and increased risks to animal welfare. By urging the resumption of legally appropriate filings and improving coordination and reporting, the resolution promotes fiscal responsibility, accountability, timely case resolution, and humane outcomes consistent with state law and prior Board intent.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution and authorize the Chief Executive Officer or her designee to execute all necessary documents.