DeKalb County makes progress on animal welfare, but challenges remain

Authorities report increased adoptions and services, but court-held animals still face long waits for cases to be resolved.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:37pm

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DeKalb County held its third annual State of DeKalb Animals luncheon, where officials reported progress in animal welfare efforts, including increased adoptions, more foster homes, and expanded spay/neuter services. However, challenges remain, such as court-held animals spending too long in shelters awaiting case resolution, and the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation to address animal cruelty issues.

Why it matters

DeKalb County's animal welfare efforts are crucial for improving the lives of shelter animals and addressing the link between animal cruelty and human violence. The luncheon highlighted both the progress made and the ongoing challenges the community faces in caring for its four-legged residents.

The details

At the luncheon, DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, known as the 'animal commissioner,' reported that while animal intake increased 7.4% in 2025 to 9,766 animals, adoptions were up 23.4%. More than 700 lost animals were returned to their owners, and the number of foster homes increased significantly. The county also invested $1.18 million for spay and neuter services and increased clinic hours for low-cost annual care. However, Spears warned that 'while we are moving in the right direction, we are still facing challenges.' Jessica Rock, who heads the state's first department that prosecutes animal crimes, said court-held animals are spending far too long in shelters waiting for cases to be adjudicated, and that stronger inter-agency cooperation is needed to address animal cruelty.

  • The State of DeKalb Animals luncheon was held on April 1, 2026.
  • Animal intake in DeKalb County increased 7.4% in 2025 to 9,766 animals.

The players

Michelle Long Spears

DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner, known as the 'animal commissioner' for her advocacy work.

Jessica Rock

Head of the first department in the state that prosecutes animal crimes.

John Park

Brookhaven Mayor, who attended the luncheon.

Rebecca Guinn

CEO of DeKalb Lifeline, who participated in a panel discussion.

Darnell Fullum

DeKalb Public Safety Director, who participated in a panel discussion.

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What they’re saying

“Animal well-being is a community issue, and we see it with lives changed, both for our four-legged and two-legged friends.”

— Michelle Long Spears, DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner

“There is a strong connection between animal cruelty and human cruelty. Animal crimes are never just about the animal.”

— Jessica Rock, Head of the state's first department that prosecutes animal crimes

“No one agency can solve this issue. When the teamwork isn't strong, the animals suffer.”

— Jessica Rock, Head of the state's first department that prosecutes animal crimes

What’s next

The DeKalb County Animal Advisory Services Board and other agencies plan to continue working to address the challenges facing court-held animals and strengthen inter-agency cooperation to protect animals from cruelty.

The takeaway

DeKalb County's animal welfare efforts have made significant progress, but the community still faces challenges in ensuring the well-being of all its four-legged residents. Continued collaboration between agencies and community involvement will be crucial to building on this progress and addressing the link between animal cruelty and human violence.