DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — In a desperate bid to save the lives of countless animals at the DeKalb County Animal Shelter, concerned residents passionately pleaded with county commissioners Tuesday to step in and prevent the looming threat of euthanasia.
The shelter, operated by the Lifeline Animal Project, is currently grappling with a dire situation. Lifeline's CEO Rebecca Guinn warns that if the shelter cannot reduce its population from 600 to 415 within two months, it may be forced to resort to higher rates of euthanasia.
Overcrowding and limited resources have pushed the DeKalb County Animal Shelter to the brink. The situation has prompted DeKalb County Commissioner Ted Terry to introduce a resolution at Tuesday's meeting, calling for a no-kill shelter policy. The idea has received overwhelming support from those in attendance.
Lifeline Animal Project's mission is to end the shelter euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals. However, despite the county's support, the shelter is still struggling to cope with the influx of animals.
"We do have animals coming in that we can't save. But now we're faced with a situation that animals that could have been saved at one point have run out of time, space and resources," said a spokesperson from Lifeline Animal Project.
Data from Georgia's Government Shelter report, released last week, revealed that the DeKalb County Animal Shelter, which is designed to house 400 animals, is currently dealing with four times that number. This overcrowding far outpaces other shelters in the metro area, making it a crisis situation that requires immediate attention.
The daunting task of reducing the shelter's population is evident as Guinn points out that 21 animals would need to leave the shelter every day to regain control. The reasons behind the high number of animals arriving at the shelter are multifaceted.
"It's all of the above. Families are feeling pressure from the economy, especially post-pandemic," explained Guinn.
This crisis extends beyond DeKalb County, as Guinn highlighted that Fulton County's animal shelter currently faces a similar situation, with over 100 dogs in an overflow shelter.
The urgency of the situation has prompted not only pleas from concerned citizens but also a call for action from county leaders. The introduction of a no-kill shelter policy reflects the community's commitment to animal welfare and their unwavering determination to save the lives of the animals in need.
Lifeline Animal Project, county officials, and community members are now working together to address this critical issue, seeking solutions to ensure that euthanasia remains a last resort in their efforts to protect the lives of innocent animals in DeKalb County.