Commissioner Michelle Long Spears of DeKalb County’s District 2, in collaboration with a volunteer-led design team, announces the State of DeKalb Animals address on Wednesday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur.
This is the kickoff to a series of events aiming to address, discuss and tackle the animal services challenges facing DeKalb County.
The State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative envisions a robust, thriving animal welfare system where no animal faces abuse or neglect and zero companion animals remain homeless through the implementation of DeKalb County Animal Advisory Board’s “Common Sense Solutions: Plan for a Better Tomorrow,” which was adopted by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners last year.
“DeKalb County has a responsibility to ensure the well-being of all animals within our community,” said Commissioner Spears. “Through SoDA, we are taking a collaborative, multifaceted approach to address our animal services challenges and ultimately create a future where no animal is a victim of violence or neglect.”
Dr. Gregory Berns, distinguished professor of neuroeconomics at Emory University, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Berns is the New York Times bestselling author of “What It’s Like to Be a Dog” and “How Dogs Love Us.”
“Initiatives like SoDA are crucial for promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership," Dr. Berns said. “By educating the public, implementing practical solutions, and fostering collaboration, we can significantly improve the lives of animals in DeKalb County.”
The State of DeKalb Animals initiative acknowledges the difficulties of managing the animal services and shelter issues in our community, including high intake, reduced adoptions, staffing shortages, and overcrowding at our shelter. The “Common Sense Solutions” plan offers a practical and comprehensive approach to improving the lives of animals, managing the shelter population, and supporting pet ownership.
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