1. What do you believe are the underlying factors/issues resulting in the observations recorded by our court case team?

Answer:

I have a unique perspective as it relates to the cruelty and neglect of animals. As the Deputy Assistant Solicitor-General for the Special Victims Unit in DeKalb County, I was directly responsible for the prosecution of animal cruelty cases filed in the DeKalb County State Court during the years of 2017 through May of 2021. In this role, I developed a collaborative working relationship with the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board. I kept them abreast of the status of cases, communicated updates and resolutions, and attended advisory board meetings. I also attended meetings with DeKalb Animal Services and Enforcement Officers.

Animal cruelty and other related animal cases can be charged as a county ordinance violation in Magistrate Court, or, if appropriate, filed as state charges in State or Superior Court.  As a judge, I will preside over cases filed in State Court. My role is to interpret the law and apply the law to the facts in the case fairly and impartially, always seeking the truth.

With that being said, I am aware of the welfare of animals that are currently housed at our animal services shelter and cared for by Lifeline. I understand that some of the animals are being held because they are connected to a charge currently pending in one of our courts.  For emphasis, as a judge, I have to preside over cases fairly and impartially, considering the facts and evidence presented to me.

2. What tools do judges have to address the kinds of issues observed by our court case team?

Answer:
I am aware of the welfare of animals that are currently housed at our animal services shelter and cared for by Lifeline. I understand that some of the animals are being held because they are connected to a charge currently pending in one of our courts.  For emphasis, as a judge, I have to preside over cases fairly and impartially, considering the facts and evidence presented to me.

When I am elected judge, I will have discretion over the flow of cases on my calendar once cases are officially charged and filed with the court. I will assess all of my criminal cases, including those involving animal cruelty, and review the rate at which these cases are resolved.  I will make appropriate adjustments to the calendaring of animal cruelty cases, where possible. Ultimately, I desire to have these cases resolved as quickly as possible so that the animals will not have to remain sheltered for an unreasonable amount of time. In doing so, I will always protect the rights and interests of all parties involved.

Finally, when elected, I will welcome members of the community to attend court. I will remain accessible to all of the DeKalb County community and listen to your concerns. Thank you again for the work that you do and the opportunity to share my thoughts.