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DeKalb County approves $2,700 to help care for animals seized from squalid property
Summary
Following testimony from the county animal-control officer, commissioners allocated $2,700 to assist a rescue with spay/neuter, rabies vaccination and microchips after officers removed 48 cats, multiple dogs and other animals from a single DeKalb County residence.
DeKalb County commissioners on Dec. 8 approved a $2,700 allocation to help a rescue care for animals seized from a residence that county animal-control described as unsanitary and unsafe for animals.
Animal-control officer Erica Hedge told commissioners she and rescue partners obtained a search warrant and removed animals that included 48 cats, six dogs (one later euthanized for poor condition), three pigs, two goats, 20 ducks and other livestock. Hedge described the residence as filled with trash and visible rodent droppings; staff said some animals had been confined and lacked food and water. "I had to wear a respirator to enter the property safely," Hedge said.
Hedge requested funds to cover sterilization and vaccination costs for animals that remain with the primary rescue. She estimated spay/neuter, rabies vaccine and microchipping at roughly $50 per cat and $100 per dog; commissioners approved $2,700 to cover 48 cats ($2,400) and three dogs ($300) still housed with the main rescue.
Commissioners also discussed the potential for restitution through criminal case proceedings but were warned that defendants who are judgment-proof may not yield significant reimbursements; local rescues and veterinarians are assisting with bulk surgery scheduling to reduce costs.
Why it matters: Large animal seizures can strain local rescues and create public-health risks; county assistance helps ensure seized animals receive vaccinations and sterilization before rehoming.
Next steps: The rescue will schedule surgeries and vaccinations with local veterinarians; county staff noted potential for restitution motions in criminal proceedings but did not guarantee recovery.
