"Shelter overcrowding, in my opinion, should be addressed using both emergency measures and long-term planning. In the short term, temporary spacing arrangements must be made immediately to alleviate the current strain on the DeKalb County Animal Shelter. Idle public facilities should be sought or leveraging local business partners for the purpose of temporary animal housing. Accordingly, we alleviate stress for both animals and staff while decreasing the possibility of those diseases that many times come with overcrowding. Foster care programs will be expanded, particularly for animals unsuitable for shelter living, and will further help reduce intake while providing a safer and more comfortable environment for pets waiting for adoption. Long-term solutions will come through a commitment to expand sheltering by projected need and to integrate sheltering models supported by the community and proven successful elsewhere. The physical capacity of the shelter is greatly needed but must happen with growth in purposeful programming through targeted community education, accessible spay-and-neuter services, and aggressive adoption programs that work toward the root causes of overcrowding. By partnering with top animal welfare organizations like Lifeline, we will capitalize on their knowledge of managing high-intake shelters and in carrying out innovative strategies that save lives. We will involve the community directly by volunteering and opening our operations for them so that they understand responsible pet ownership and proactive care of animals. The crowding of our county animal shelter calls for a systemic approach to its solution by taking into consideration the need for a policy change to ensure that the animal does not reach the shelter in the first place. Such would include measures like enforcing ordinances relating to the care of pets, regulation in breeding, and publicity in programs of spaying/neutering, and responsible rehoming. I am committed to increasing funding for programs that support keeping pets in their families, such as food banks for pets, low-cost veterinary care, and educational resources. By integrating these solutions, we can create a sustainable model for DeKalb County that not only expands the shelter but also addresses the root causes of homeless animals."
"Any effort at combating the ill effects of overpopulation has to be multi-pronged, something that strikes at the very root of uncontrolled breeding and promotes the ideal of responsible pet ownership. A major contribution would be to set up better enforcement mechanisms for the existing ordinances related to breeding, sales, and animal care. This can be drastically reduced through the creation of more strict breeding regulations, such as licensing and bonding, but also punishment for unrestrained breeding. I am also proposing a new ordinance, the prohibition of licensed breeding and selling, which will directly reduce animal intake. This approach ensures an immediate solution and future population control of the animals. Other key components of humane population control include increased access to spaying and neutering. I believe that the county, as well as the cities should institute mobile spay-and-neuter clinics and pop-up veterinary services in coordination with local veterinarians, offering low-cost or free surgeries, especially in neighborhoods of greatest need. Similar programs have already demonstrated their value elsewhere by reducing intake numbers and preventing future litters that would strain the system. With these, the addition of educational outreach regarding the positive effects that spaying and neutering have will further enable owners to make responsible decisions and contribute to the overall community efforts in pet population control. Also, some community outreach programs should be established which will reward the responsible ownership and breeding of pets. Community-supported initiatives of microchipping, licensing of pets, and rehoming can be aided by public-private partnerships, equipping and supporting the owners of pets with resources. Likewise, we breeders and owners can engage in workshops and training on responsible breeding that will further create a culture of accountability and stewardship. These proactive steps, in concert with enforcement and accessibility, will create a sustainable manner of population control for DeKalb County, where pets are responsibly bred and cared for and do not ultimately find themselves in the shelter."
"The chronic understaffing in DeKalb County’s animal services enforcement, with 50% of positions unfilled and a 62% turnover rate, hinders effective response to daily crises. Improved compensation and benefits, such as those offered by DeKalb County are essential to attract and retain qualified personnel. Comprehensive training programs and ongoing professional development should cover animal behavior, humane handling, conflict resolution, and updated enforcement protocols to equip officers with the necessary skills. Addressing current vacancies and expanding staffing to meet ""National Animal Care and Control Association"" standards will better manage high call volumes. Strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement and community organizations through joint training, shared resources, and coordinated efforts will enhance response capabilities. Establishing career advancement paths and recognition programs, such as awards and promotions, can boost morale and improve retention."
"In addition to improving overall staffing at the DeKalb County Animal Shelter, it is crucial to ensure that we have highly qualified leadership and animal control personnel in place. I fully support the hiring of experienced Animal Control Officers (ACOs) who are not only skilled in animal handling and law enforcement but also trained in community engagement and conflict resolution. ACOs play a vital role in promoting public safety and humane treatment of animals, and their interactions with the public can significantly impact community perceptions of animal services. I advocate for rigorous training programs that equip ACOs with the latest best practices in humane animal control, emphasizing field return-to-owner strategies and education over enforcement. This approach has been shown to reduce shelter intake and build trust within the community, Equally important is the recruitment of a qualified director for the DeKalb County Animal Services department who possesses both leadership skills and a deep understanding of modern animal welfare standards. A strong director will drive the strategic vision of the department, ensuring that all operations align with our goals of reducing shelter overcrowding, enhancing staff training, and implementing innovative community programs. I will support a hiring process that prioritizes candidates with proven experience in managing large-scale animal shelters, fostering public-private partnerships, and executing effective outreach and education initiatives. The director should also be committed to transparency and accountability, regularly communicating with the community and stakeholders about progress, challenges, and opportunities within the shelter."
"Improving access to animal care resources is central to my plan for DeKalb County. I support setting up pop-up clinics that offer free or low-cost vaccinations, microchipping, and spay-neuter services in areas with high rates of strays and unaltered pets. Partnering with local vets, nonprofits, and volunteers, we can make these services more accessible to all residents. To further reach those in need, I propose a mobile veterinary unit that brings care directly to communities facing barriers like transportation or cost. This unit would provide essential services and educate pet owners on responsible care, licensing, and rehoming options. Additionally, a pet food and medication bank would help families struggling to afford pet care, reducing the need for surrenders due to financial issues. Building strong community networks is also key. Establishing a community cat resource center would support trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and humane management of feral cats throughout DeKalb County. By partnering with local businesses, schools, and community centers, we can share resources, supplies, and information to keep pets healthy at home. Expanding volunteer and foster programs will also be crucial, offering temporary care for pets and easing shelter demands. I aim to create a supportive system that empowers the community to actively contribute to animal welfare."
"The average confinement of court-held animals in DeKalb County is 329 days, revealing severe inefficiencies in the judicial process that harm animals and cost taxpayers millions. Key issues include poor communication between prosecutors, the County Attorney, and Animal Control, leading to unnecessary delays and failure to use existing legal tools. Often, animals are held as evidence when digital alternatives could be used, and offenders face minimal penalties. This system neglects animal welfare, leaving them in shelters for extended periods. To address these challenges, clear guidelines are needed to reduce holding animals as evidence, paired with improved coordination among legal stakeholders. Implementing cost-of-care bonds and motions to dispose can speed up case resolutions. Enforcing stricter penalties for defendants who fail to appear and creating an animal advocate role would further prioritize animal welfare. Legislative advocacy and expedited hearings for animal-related cases would streamline the judicial process, reduce suffering, and lessen financial strain on the county."