DeKalb County launches Save Our Animals initiative to enhance animal welfare

In the heart of DeKalb County, a gathering of community leaders and residents took place on May 13, 2025, at the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting, where pressing issues surrounding animal welfare and community compassion took center stage. The atmosphere buzzed with a sense of urgency and hope as commissioners and advocates shared their visions for a more humane and caring community.

The meeting began with a call for compassion from Brenna Bridal Lakeson, a queer feminist writer and social activist, who delivered an inspiring message about the importance of small acts of kindness in daily life. "Compassion is a collection of small daily decisions," they said, urging attendees to consider the struggles of others, even in the mundane moments of life, like navigating Atlanta traffic. This call to empathy resonated deeply, setting the tone for the discussions that followed.

A significant focus of the meeting was the Save Our DeKalb Animals (SOTA) initiative, spearheaded by Commissioner Michelle Long Spears. She highlighted the alarming state of animal welfare in the county, where shelters are overwhelmed and underfunded, leading to heartbreaking outcomes for many animals. "Too many animals are entering our facilities, and not enough are leaving," she stated, emphasizing the community's responsibility to ensure humane treatment for all creatures.

The SOTA initiative aims to address these challenges through transparency, innovative programs, and partnerships with local organizations. A key event, the second annual State of DeKalb Animals address, is scheduled for May 16, 2025, at the Emory Conference Center, where community leaders will gather to discuss progress and future plans for animal welfare.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners recognized May 13 as Save Our DeKalb Animals Day, encouraging residents to engage in efforts that promote animal well-being. Dana Davis, a member of the SOTA steering committee, echoed the urgency of the situation, noting the increase in animal abandonment and euthanasia since the pandemic. "We just want to make things better for animals," she said, calling for community support and collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to foster a compassionate environment for both animals and residents, reinforcing the idea that every life matters. As the commissioners and community members gathered for a group photo, the spirit of unity and commitment to change was palpable, leaving attendees with a sense of hope for a brighter future in DeKalb County.