Infrastructure

I am deeply concerned when an animal must be removed due to negligence or abuse.

My office is responsible for resolving over 2,000 animal matters. In 2022, my office reported 84 animals held at the shelter related to court matters. Today, I am pleased to report that the number of animals being held concerning court matters in my office has significantly reduced to less than 40. This is less than 40 compared to the total number of animals in the shelter, including over 500 dogs due to the many stray and abandoned dogs.

The Judicial Emergency resulting from COVID-19 caused a significant backlog in all cases throughout our court system, including those involving animals. As we continue to navigate a post-COVID-19 world, we cannot ignore the impact on all areas of our lives. It has been repeatedly stated that the overcrowding of shelters is a national crisis not exclusive to DeKalb County. We know that for many people, finances, mental health, and educational factors have led to the increase in animals being forced to live in shelters.

Recognizing that animal cases provide a unique opportunity for education, my office has proactively partnered with our community. This collaboration has allowed us to focus our efforts and resources on breaking the cycles of animal neglect. We have conducted animal care classes for defendants, organized animal safety events for community members, and provided animal cruelty training for law enforcement. The most recent animal cruelty training was held in September of 2023, and we are committed to hosting these classes annually to ensure continuous education and awareness.

Our unwavering commitment is to provide justice for victims of all misdemeanor cases and ensure the safety of all, including the animals involved. This commitment drives our actions and decisions, and we will continue to uphold it.

Statement from Solicitor General Donna Stribling on Court-Held Animals

animal shelter

April 15, 2024

I am deeply concerned when an animal must be removed due to negligence or abuse.

My office is responsible for resolving over 2,000 animal matters. In 2022, my office reported 84 animals held at the shelter related to court matters. Today, I am pleased to report that the number of animals being held concerning court matters in my office has significantly reduced to less than 40. This is less than 40 compared to the total number of animals in the shelter, including over 500 dogs due to the many stray and abandoned dogs.

The Judicial Emergency resulting from COVID-19 caused a significant backlog in all cases throughout our court system, including those involving animals. As we continue to navigate a post-COVID-19 world, we cannot ignore the impact on all areas of our lives. It has been repeatedly stated that the overcrowding of shelters is a national crisis not exclusive to DeKalb County. We know that for many people, finances, mental health, and educational factors have led to the increase in animals being forced to live in shelters.

Recognizing that animal cases provide a unique opportunity for education, my office has proactively partnered with our community. This collaboration has allowed us to focus our efforts and resources on breaking the cycles of animal neglect. We have conducted animal care classes for defendants, organized animal safety events for community members, and provided animal cruelty training for law enforcement. The most recent animal cruelty training was held in September of 2023, and we are committed to hosting these classes annually to ensure continuous education and awareness.

Our unwavering commitment is to provide justice for victims of all misdemeanor cases and ensure the safety of all, including the animals involved. This commitment drives our actions and decisions, and we will continue to uphold it.

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