DeKalb adopts litter-permit law aimed at curbing pet overpopulation

DeKalb County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring a companion-animal litter permit and minimum health checks before transfers or sales of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits, part of a multi-pronged effort county leaders said is intended to reduce shelter overcrowding and unnecessary euthanasia.

The measure, filed as ordinance 2024-0190, requires sellers to register litters with the county and to ensure vaccinations and microchipping before an animal is transferred to a new owner. The board approved a short implementation window: the ordinance’s enforcement will begin with a six-month warning period to allow residents and sellers to comply.

Why it matters: County officials and animal advocates said the ordinance is designed to address what they described as a pandemic-era surge in unregulated breeding and a resulting increase in animals entering DeKalb County Animal Services. Supporters emphasized the ordinance complements investments in shelter capacity, spay/neuter access and community outreach.

Commissioner Michelle Long Spears (District 2) — who sponsored the effort and leads the Save Our DeKalb Animals initiative, known as SOTA — framed the vote as part of broader shelter reform. “Not having enough space, dogs are being killed. Let's be clear,” she told the board during the presentations announcing the initiative earlier in the meeting. Spears also highlighted SOTA’s five-point plan calling for expanded facilities, staffing and partnerships with rescue groups.

Advocates who spoke during the public-comment period urged the board to adopt the measure. Dana Davis, a member of the SOTA steering committee, told commissioners the permit would “regulate unethical breeding practices, significantly lessen suffering and euthanasia, save taxpayers money, as well as decrease the number of attacks by roaming dogs.”

Other public speakers described conditions at the county shelter. Andrea Sedell said the shelter was holding more animals than it was designed for and recounted cases of puppies and adult dogs found abandoned or suffering medical problems she attributed to irresponsible breeding.

Administration and enforcement: County officials told the board the program will rely on existing enforcement staff and administrative partners. DeKalb’s animal-services director asked the board to allow code-enforcement and other administrative offices to share responsibilities for permitting and recordkeeping while field enforcement remains the responsibility of animal-control staff. The adopted substitute adds a six-month post‑effective-date grace period during which violations result in warnings rather than immediate penalties.

Next steps: The board did not attach fiscal appropriations to the ordinance on Tuesday. Commissioners and staff discussed follow-up measures — including continued investments in spay/neuter programs and shelter capacity — that advocates say are needed to make the ordinance effective over time.

The ordinance passed on a voice vote with no dissent recorded.