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Lifeline Animal Project warns of record intakes, urges community adoptions and foster support
Summary
Audra Shoemaker told the Sandy Springs City Council Lifeline has taken about 8,000 animals by the third quarter and may reach 10,000 this year, outlined spay/neuter clinics, foster programs and neighborhood outreach, and asked residents to increase adoptions and event participation.
Audra Shoemaker, chief presenter for Lifeline Animal Project at Fulton County Animal Services, told the Sandy Springs City Council on Dec. 16 that Lifeline has seen an unprecedented surge in shelter intakes and is on track to take in roughly 10,000 animals this year. “We’ve taken in 8,000 animals just by the end of the third quarter. We’re probably shaping up to take around 10,000 animals in this year,” Shoemaker said.
Shoemaker described Lifeline’s multi-pronged approach to reducing euthanasia and moving animals through the system: adoption services, an extensive foster program (699 animals currently in foster placement), rescue partnerships that accept medically fragile animals, transport to regions with lower intake pressure, and low-cost spay/neuter clinics in Chamblee and College Park. She highlighted community outreach focused on seven ZIP codes where nearly 38% of residents live below the poverty line and said Lifeline runs quarterly "healthy pets" events that provide spay/neuter vouchers and low-cost vaccines.
Councilmembers asked how Lifeline coordinates with law enforcement on animal attacks. Shoemaker said Fulton County Police Department is taking over field services the day after her presentation and that Captain Nicole Dwyer will lead the unit. She described field services duties as including pet pickup, bite investigations and cruelty investigations.
Shoemaker also promoted programs that engage residents directly, including short-term outings (“dog for a day”) that she said increase adoption odds and a ‘‘friendly finder’’ intake option that vaccinates and temporarily places found animals with foster households. She urged more community events and said Lifeline welcomes tours of its clinic.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation. Council discussion focused on public safety coordination and on ways the Sandy Springs community can support Lifeline’s work through adoptions, volunteering and public-awareness efforts.
