DeKalb Leaders to Highlight Animal Welfare Progress at “State of DeKalb Animals” Addressvv

By Milton Kirby | DeKalb County, GA | April 15, 2025

DeKalb County Commissioner Michelle Long Spears is set to host the second annual “State of DeKalb Animals” address on Friday, May 16, 2025, spotlighting significant strides in the county’s efforts to improve animal welfare.

The event will be held at the newly renovated Emory Conference Center Hotel in the Lullwater Ballroom at 1615 Clifton Road NE in Decatur. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and lunch will be provided to attendees.

Spearheaded by the Save Our DeKalb Animals Initiative, the address will feature multiple speakers sharing progress updates and community impact stories aligned with the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board’s Plan for a Better Tomorrow. That plan, developed to reshape the county’s approach to animal care, includes five key goals:

• Expanding shelter space
• Improving staffing and employee benefits for shelter and animal enforcement teams
• Offering direct support to residents and their pets
• Reducing homeless pet populations
• Shortening the stay for court-held animals

Commissioner Spears said the annual event aims to keep the public informed and involved in the county’s mission to protect animals and strengthen the community’s pet care infrastructure.

“This isn’t just about animal shelters—it’s about people, pets, and creating a more compassionate DeKalb,” Spears said.

Public registration for the event opens April 11. More details are available at www.michellelongspears.com/SODA, by calling 404-371-2863, or texting 470-722-1654.

Please consider supporting open, independent journalism – no dollar amount is too small!