Grace's Law Widgets are Here!

I have created widgets to publicize Grace's Law, H.B. 788, which comes up in the January 2010 legislative session in Georgia. Feel free to distribute them widely. Let's end the cruel practice of gassing shelter pets! Feel free to copy the widget from the sidebar of this blog, or go here to distribute it.

Support H.B 788, Grace's Law

The following is from the Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare. I'v added a few helpful links and I am reproducing it here in its entirety, although I disagree with the use of the term 'euthanasia' to mean anything but the mercy killing of an incurably sick or irreparably injured animal. When shelters kill for any other reason, it should just be called 'killing'. Oh, and 'pet overpopulation' is a myth. H.B. 788 deserves the support of all animal lovers, especially those residing in the state of Georgia. The folks at GVAW have worked really hard for the past two years to get a bill passed that would abolish the use of the gas chamber to kill shelter pets. The gas chamber has been condemned as inhumane and causes the animals to go through protracted distress before dying. The 11 or so chambers still operational in the state, some illegally, must be shut down. They are a disgrace.

Let's make the third one the charm.






“Speak Out
for
Georgia’s Voiceless”



Use Your VOTE
for
Companion Animal Stewardship







HB 788 – Grace’s Law

A Proposed Bill That Will Totally Ban Gas Chambers in Georgia

The Issue
An estimated 11 tax-funded animal control facilities in Georgia use gas chambers to routinely kill unwanted dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Some are operating illegally; none are operating in full compliance with AVMA recommendations; and ALL are unreliable, unsafe, unregulated and inhumane. There is abundant proof that gas chambers:
· Pose a serious health risk and cause immeasurable stress to shelter workers;
· Are a cruel, outmoded method of killing that cause horrific, prolonged suffering before animals die;
· Were banned in Georgia over 20 years ago with 3 exceptions; and
· Must be totally banned NOW – statewide, permanently, and with no exceptions!

Background
· 2008 Georgia General Assembly – HB 1060 introduced and granted one hearing late in session; would have closed the loopholes in 1990 Humane Euthanasia Act (See “Talking Points for HB 788” handout)
· 2009 Session – HB 1060 rewritten and introduced by Representative Tom Knox; numbered HB 606 and named Grace’s Law after a hound who survived Liberty County’s illegally installed gas chamber in 2006; Senate companion bill, SB 232 (sponsored by Senator Steven Henson) and HB 606 granted hearings by House sub-committee and full Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee; no vote taken in senate; legislation designated “carryover”
· Upcoming session (opening January 2010) – HB 606 already rewritten, renumbered HB 788, and ready to drop by Rep. Tom Knox; calls for total ban on gas chambers and designates euthanasia by injection (EBI) administered by a veterinarian or properly trained lay person the only legal method for routine euthanasia of animals in Georgia shelters; read bill at www.legis.ga.gov/legis, (click on “Legislation” and type in HB 788)
· HB 788 assigned to House Science and Technology Committee for 2010 session
· Senator Jack Murphy currently preparing senate companion bill; number TBA

YOU Can Help Pass HB 788 and its Companion Senate Bill!
· Contact your legislators NOW! Lawmakers need to begin hearing from constituents NOW and continually throughout the 2010 legislative session. (See “Contact your Legislators” handout)
· Contact every member of the 2010 House Science & Technology Committee NOW. (See “House Science & Technology” matrix handout)
· Tell your friends, family members and co-workers to do the same NOW.

Send the clear, but polite, message that you support HB 788 and are telling everyone you know to do the same.
Let them know you want every gas chamber in Georgia rendered inoperable and demolished!

GEORGIA VOTERS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

To ban gas chambers statewide, permanently and with no exceptions, use your voice and your vote to support

HB 788


It is critical that you begin contacting your legislators NOW to prepare for the 2010 General Assembly session.

§ To find your Senator and Representative and their contact information, access “Roll Call” at: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/home.%20
§ Enter your zip code under “State and Elected Officials” in the left-hand column of the page.
§ When the new screen appears, click on the highlighted names of Governor, Senate or House of Representatives. (They appear under the “Governor and State Legislators” heading in the middle of the page, right hand column.) Your legislator’s picture, biographical, contact and other information will appear.
§ Or, you can access the same information at: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102472420327&e=001Uc0WpFf-dazn_-_YaBUdESAwnms3Q7CmMYYZ01TeJkInLzB5Dzg-0nfftS47W9Gn0HYneJQnHQrB6lVbjZP6mBSa-bL2Q53Lu9i9LPT32A7eSo2mhFSMVQz_74myRTFQ2Dnt7_xmjf3svgwYTpnlZBV6SaCwD9K1UktukDbPEmQ=
§ To find your local elected officials (city and/or county council/commission members), “Google” your city/county and go to their official home pages – most have one – where members are usually featured.
§ Make sure you contact every member of the Science and Technology Committee as well.
§ Share this information with everyone you know and ask them to write and call their legislators.

Lobbying for Success

· Always be polite and respectful when addressing lawmakers. The legislative process is grueling and HB 788 will never pass without strong legislative approval and extraordinary voter support.
· Legislators prefer personal visits, letters/notes/postcards, telephone calls and e-mail – in that order.
· Be prepared and informed when appealing to your legislators. The “Hope for Georgia’s Companion Animals” and “Talking Points” handouts included in this packet are helpful tools for you and your lawmakers.
· Stay in touch with your legislators, follow HB 788’s progress and never give up!


IF YOU DON’T SPEAK OUT FOR THE ANIMALS, THEIR SUFFERING WILL NEVER END!

GEORGIA VOTERS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE


THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
House of Representatives – 2010 General Assembly

Name/Title
Party
Representing
Address
Telephone/fax #s

Amos Amerson, Chairman
Retired military and university professor
R
HD 9
Parts of Dawson, Forsyth and Lumpkin Counties
401 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
689 N. Chestatee St.
Dahlonega, GA 30533
404.657.8534 O

Chuck Martin, Vice-Chair
Information Technology and Real Estate consultant; Director Ryan & Company
R
HD 47
Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek & Greater North Fulton County
245 State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
11770 Haynes Bridge Rd.
Suite 205-544
Alpharetta, GA 30009
404.463.2247 O
404.463.2249 F

Charlice Byrd, Secretary
Former educator, political activist and community volunteer
R
HD 20
Part of Cherokee County, including Woodstock
411 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
P. O. Box 906
Woodstock, GA 30188
404.557.2218 O
404.463.2793 F
404.557.2218 C
Paul Battles
Retired Banker
R
HD 15
Part of Bartow County, including Cartersville
404 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
208 Road #2 South, SW
Cartersville, GA 30120
404.656.0109 O
678.315.9840 C
770.382.9965 H

Hardie Davis
Pastor/Business Owner
D
HD 122
Part of Richmond County
612 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
P. O. Box 235
Gracewood, GA 30812
404.656.0325 O 706.434.8553
866.390.7894 F

Kevin Levitas
Vice-President – Legal/Marketing for Hill Manufacturing Co., Inc.
D
HD 82
Part of Dekalb County
507 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
2496 Greenglade Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-634-9171 H
404-656-0202 O
404-656-0250 F

Barry Loudermilk
Business Owner
R
HD 14
Parts of Bartow and Floyd Counties
401 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
P. O. Box 436
Cassville, GA 30123
404.656.0152 O
678.721.5612 H
770.387.1411 F

Mary Margaret Oliver
Attorney
D
HD 83
Part of Dekalb County
604 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Suite 230; Decatur 30030
404.656.0265 O
404.463.2634 F
404.372.0485 O
404.372.0486 F


Barbara Massey Reece
Retired Teacher
D
HD 11
Chattooga and part of Floyd Counties
512 CLOB
Atlanta, GA 30334 and
693 Massey Road
Menlo, GA 30731
404.656.7859 O
404.651.8086 F
706.862.2657 H

Talking Points
HB 788 – A Total Ban on Gas Chambers in Georgia


Statements you may want to use when writing or talking to your legislators, friends, family members and co-workers:

Humane Euthanasia Act of 1990 (HEA) Banned Chambers with 3 Exceptions:
· Counties with less than 25,000 residents
· Larger counties grandfathered in by letter request but not allowed to replace chambers
· For extremely vicious dogs and/or cats

Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDOA) Habitually Sanctions Violations of State Law and Its Own Rules:
· Only one letter of request on file for grandfathered exemption
· Larger systems allowed to replace chambers after 1990, including Bulloch, Chatham, Cobb, Liberty and Tift Counties
· Charged in 2007 with multiple violations of HEA – Morton & Robinson vs GDOA & Tommy Irvin
· Continues to issue and renew licenses to shelters that kill cats and dogs in a manner prohibited by both state statute and its own rules and regulations, lacking accountability and transparency in policies and practices
· Unable to provide comprehensive, accurate list of active chambers and a statewide database of shelter statistics
· Ignores state law that euthanasia be performed by a licensed veterinarian or physician, or a properly trained lay person under the supervision of a veterinarian or physician

Approximately 11 Active Gas Chambers Operating Illegally and Not In Compliance with AVMA Recommendations:
· Cobb County gas chamber active despite 2007 court order to cease and desist and March 2009 Injunction
· At least 2 counties routinely using gas chambers exceed 25,000 population cap
· Operating gas chambers not of “highest quality construction” (AVMA recommendation)
· Majority of gas chambers do not separate animals and species (AVMA recommendation)
· Records of routine safety inspections of gas chambers and auxiliary equipment non-existent
· No verification equipment is monitored when engaged or animals confirmed dead via stethoscope examination
· E-mail for list of active gas chambers in Georgia: chamblee.abernethy@hotmail.com or gavoters@darientel.net.

In Conclusion:
· Ample documentation proves gas chambers dangerous to shelter workers and inhumane to both workers and animals even if used properly
· 2009 cost analysis comparing euthanasia by gas chambers used in compliance to euthanasia by injection (EBI) shows EBI less expensive, poses no health risks to shelter workers, minimizes stress for both shelter workers and animals
· End dialogues that treat symptoms of companion animal overpopulation and shift focus to causes – Ban Gas Chambers Via HB 788

GEORGIA VOTERS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE



Is There Hope for Georgia’s Companion Animals?


ASK SERVING AND ASPIRING LEGISLATORS FOR THEIR POSITION ON THESE ISSUES


The Problem
· Georgia’s companion animal overpopulation crisis is now an epidemic.
· Using a per-person formula, our shelters kill twice the national average. (Source: GVAW Survey of Animal Services Report*)
· Using a per-state formula, we kill 3.25 times the national average.
· Georgia’s antiquated catch/house/kill shelter model doesn’t work – It treats the symptoms of the problem and not the causes!
What Stakeholders Want
· Taxpayers want fewer tax dollars spent on animal control.
· Residents want safe neighborhoods free of “nuisance” cats and dogs.
· Animal advocates want lower shelter admission and kill rates and a voice in creating humane solutions that work.
What’s Required
· Affordable, accessible spay/neuter, targeted to pet owners who need it the most;
· An emphasis on Humane Education; and
· A functional Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDOA) that works collaboratively with everyone and actually protects companion animals.
Legislative Goals
· Enforcement of laws already on the books (including O.C.G.A. 4-14-3 – 1984 Spay/Neuter Law; O.C.G.A.4-11-5.1- 1990 Humane Euthanasia Act; O.C.G.A. 16-12-4 – 2000 Felony Cruelty Bill; O.C.G.A. 31-19 – Rabies Law; 4-11-1 thru 4-11-18 – Georgia Animal Protection Act);
· Creation and maintenance of a comprehensive, accurate database of shelter statistics that is freely accessible to anyone;
· Increased and targeted spay/neuter funds via major improvements to Georgia’s Dog and Cat Sterilization Program; and
· Accountability and transparency in GDOA practices and policies.

*To request a full Report of Findings, e-mail: chamblee.abernethy@hotmail.com or gavoters@darientel.net.


GEORGIA VOTERS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE










WHO WE ARE…

Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare (GVAW) is a grassroots network of Georgia advocates for animals founded in 2008 to support laws and lawmakers working for a safer, healthier and more humane Georgia. Its organizational structure is informal – no governing board, bylaws, website or funding source. The only requirement for membership is a commitment to use one’s voice and one’s vote to effect positive change for the voiceless in GA.

GVAW is YOU!
WE NEED A LOGO!

This is an invitation to enter a GVAW
Logo Design Contest!

One idea that has surfaced is a cute sketch of a typical, Georgia “Black Dog Special” and a Tuxedo kitty, standing and holding a sign between them that reads “Speak For Us!”

Go for it! Submit ideas/sketches to:

gavoters@darientel.net

by December 1, 2009 *

*submissions still being accepted

Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare Report

The Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare (GVAW) compiled a report on the state of animal sheltering in the state of Georgia. Read it here and weep, or, better yet, do something about it. Georgia can and will be No Kill. It is inevitable. We just get to determine whether its sooner or later. Many thousands of animals would prefer sooner. That way they get to continue breathing.






Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare (GVAW)
Survey of Animal Services in Georgia


REPORT OF FINDINGS









September 1, 2009
Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare Survey of Animal Services


Introduction

Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare (GVAW) is a grassroots network of Georgia advocates for animals. The organization was founded in 2008 to support laws and lawmakers working for a safer, healthier and more humane Georgia. GVAW’s organizational structure is informal – no governing board, bylaws, website or funding source. The only requirement for membership is a commitment to use one’s voice and one’s vote to effect positive change for the voiceless in Georgia.

Statement of the Problem

Georgia has a companion animal overpopulation crisis due to uncontrolled breeding of cats and dogs in our communities. Managing the surplus of unwanted stray and abandoned animals is a formidable challenge for taxpayers and government leaders at every level. Georgia taxpayers want fewer tax dollars spent on animal control. The general public wants safe neighborhoods free of “nuisance” cats and dogs. Animal advocates want humane population control strategies that dramatically reduce shelter admissions and kill rates as well as a place at the table to help develop solutions.

Purpose of the Study

A major obstacle in resolving the overpopulation crisis is the lack of information regarding animal control services in Georgia’s counties and municipalities. Specifically, there is not a statewide collection of information or statistics, from public and private shelters, that is maintained in a comprehensive database readily available to the public.

Without reliable baseline data, progress cannot be measured. Recognizing the critical need for such a database, GVAW chose to conduct, as its first project, a statewide survey to determine what animal services were available in the 2007 calendar year. Survey findings will be used to create as accurate a database as possible, given the limitations of the study, and a “snapshot” of animal services in Georgia.

Methodology

The project was initiated by GVAW Co-founders, Chamblee Abernethy of Dekalb County and Hannah Tostensen of McIntosh County, and launched in May of 2008. Georgia’s 159 counties were divided into 12 regions and Open Records Act cover letters with questionnaires were mailed to every county and to 88 additional animal control departments, shelters and/or humane societies that are funded totally or partially by taxpayers. Follow-up phone calls were made afterwards in an attempt to increase the survey return rate. Abernethy and Tostensen were assisted in this phase of the project by 10 additional volunteers:

· Bonnie Klawitter in McIntosh County
· Ashley Woods in Glynn County
· Staci Hutsell, UGA DVM candidate in Athens-Clarke County
· Anna Smith, UGA DVM candidate in Oconee County
· Kathy Wright in Oglethorpe County
· Cheryl Iski in Jackson County
· Sarah Vaughn in Morgan County
· Shari Johannes in Floyd County
· Louise Stewart in Gwinnett County
· Steve Brooks in Gwinnett County

A total of 247 letters and questionnaires were mailed to each of Georgia’s 159 counties and to 88 cities, towns and humane societies indentified in the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDOA’s) 2007 roster of licensed animal control departments and/or shelters. The Year 2007 data requested included, but were not limited to, questions regarding local animal ordinances, shelter operations where applicable (i.e., shelter location, capacity, staffing, budget, holding periods, adoption and foster programs, hours open to the public, method of euthanasia and disposal of dead animals); number of animals annually admitted, reclaimed, adopted and/or agency-transferred; temperament testing; availability of low-cost sterilization; existence of breed-specific legislation; and number of abuse/neglect cases recorded.

The project was completed approximately 12 months later, in May of 2009, when attempts to collect outstanding questionnaires were exhausted. At that point Abernethy and Tostensen began to assess expenditures of time and money, analyze the data and prepare study findings for publication.

It is modestly estimated that the 12 volunteers spent an aggregate 600 hours on all phases of the study and an estimated $550 on postage, office supplies and fees charged by some municipalities for gathering the requested data. Fortunately, most of the participating counties and cities did not charge fees for supplying information. As an unincorporated organization of voters without tax-exempt status, GVAW is not permitted to raise funds or accept donations. Consequently, all study expenses were paid out-of-pocket by the volunteers.

Limitations of the Study

The primary limitation of this study is that, despite the enormous amount of time, energy and expense invested, GVAW is unable to produce a complete data set, a testament to the need for state-mandated collection of and public access to comprehensive shelter data. For example:

· 45 counties (28%) of the total 159 surveyed did not respond;
· 63 animal control units and/or shelters (32%) did not respond;
· 5 animal control units and/or shelters refused to complete the questionnaire citing
O.C.G.A. 50-18-70(e)[1]; and,
· 19 animal control units and/or shelters did not provide intake and/or euthanasia numbers.

In all, 84 animal control units and shelters either didn’t respond at all or didn’t provide intake and exit numbers as requested.

A secondary limitation of the study is that all 12 of the persons who worked on the project are unpaid volunteers, most with full-time jobs. Several are full-time students and all are deeply involved in volunteer activities and/or family responsibilities. Consequently, finding time to work on the survey project was difficult for all volunteers.

Findings

Salient findings from this study, drawn from the 162 questionnaires that were completed and returned, include:

· 50 counties (31%) have no form of animal control;
· Total number of 2007 shelter admissions reported was 245,034;
· Total number of 2007 euthanasias reported was 152,297, representing an overall 62% kill rate;
· Based on the average number of animals killed per shelter, GVAW estimates there were at least an additional 105,000 animals killed in the non-reporting shelters, for an estimated total of 260,000 animals killed in Georgia shelters in 2007[2]; and,

· Only 51 counties and cities answered the question, “How many neglect/abuse complaints did you receive, and how many of those involved dogs living tethered (chained) outdoors?” Of a total 2,345 reported complaints, an average of 50% involved chained dogs; 27% (or 14 respondents) said 100% of their neglect/abuse complaints were chained dogs, and 4 respondents said “most,” “the majority,” or “maybe all” of their neglect/abuse complaints involved chained dogs.

Conclusions

Georgia is killing more than its share of companion animals in “shelters” that are funded by taxpayers. National figures on shelter kill rates are reported as low as 4 million and as high as 11 million per year. Using 2008 Census Bureau statistics, Georgia’s human population represents 3.2% of the national population. Factoring Georgia’s estimated annual kill rate of 260,000 shelter animals into a nationwide per person equation, Georgia’s pro rata share is 128,000 animals. Using this formula, Georgia is killing twice the national average.

Using another formula, i.e., dividing the lowest estimated national kill rate of 4 million animals by 50 states yields an annual per state average of 80,000 euthanasias. At this rate, Georgia is killing 3.25 times the national per-state average, or 1/16th (6.5%) of the estimated 4 million animals her year! Computed this way, Georgia is killing its allotted share as well as the share of 2 additional states. These reported shelter kill rates do not even take into consideration the unknown number of unsheltered animals who die annually in Georgia of disease, starvation, abuse and injury, far too often chained to a tree in someone’s back yard.

Georgia can do better, but not without accurate, accessible-to-all baseline data; the enforcement of animal laws already on the books; and, a strong emphasis on humane education. Georgia can – and should – end the shameless killing of shelter animals and use tax payers’ dollars to address the causes of overpopulation rather than the symptoms!

This study clearly demonstrates how unreasonable, if not impossible, it is for one or more private citizens to annually gather data, via Open Records Act requests to 159 counties and 88 additional shelters, in order to compile a statewide, comprehensive database. Technically, all 197 animal control departments and/or shelters could have refused to participate in the survey, citing O.C.G.A.50-18-70(e) as their reason for not participating, which would have required the volunteers to travel to all 197 counties and cities to review thousands of pages of raw data in order to compile the requested information. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Georgia’s Legislators to ensure this task is completed annually by the GDOA or another designated state agency.

Recommendations

In order of priority, GVAW recommends:

· A requirement that all public and private shelters in Georgia submit accurate entry and exit statistics, separating cats and dogs, to the GDOA upon annual renewal of their licenses; and that the GDOA, or another designated state agency, be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive and current database of these statistics that is easily accessible to the public;
· Enforcement of animal-related laws already in the Georgia Code, including but not limited to, 1984 Spay/Neuter (O.C.G.A. 4-14-3); 1990 Humane Euthanasia Act (O.C.G.A.4-11-5.1); 2000 Felony Cruelty Bill (O.C.G.A. 16-12-4); Rabies (O.C.G.A. 31-19); GA Animal Protection Act (4-11-1 thru 4-11-18);
· Dramatic improvements to the Georgia Dog and Cat Sterilization Program so that funds are increased and targeted to pet owners who need it most; and,
· Consideration of a statewide anti-tethering law.





Contact Us

For more information about GVAW or detailed and/or specific information regarding the study, please contact GVAW Co-Founders. GVAW does not yet have a website.


Chamblee Abernethy Hannah deSoto Tostensen
Chamblee.abernethy@hotmail.com gavoters@darientel.net
(678) 640-1177 (912) 437-6169 (Home)
(912) 617-6564 (Cell)






Report published September 1, 2009 © Georgia Voters for Animal Welfare 2009. All rights reserved.
Counties, Cities, Towns and Humane Societies Surveyed

GEORGIA COUNTIES (159) ADDITIONAL SHELTERS SURVEYED (88)

Appling County – City of Baxley Animal Control: 452 intakes, 175 euthanized (39%)
Athens-Clarke County: 1907 intakes, 472 euthanized (25%)
Athens Area Humane Society: 1155 intakes, 507 euthanized (44%)
Atkinson County: no animal control
Bacon County: no animal control
City of Alma Animal Shelter: no response
Baker County: all animals transferred to Albany Humane Society (see Dougherty County)
Baldwin County: 1485 intakes, 1015 euthanized (68%)
Banks County: no response
Barrow County: 3121 intakes, 2056 euthanized (66%)
Bartow County - Cartersville Animal Control: 7600 intakes, 5207 euthanized (69%)
Ben Hill County – Fitzgerald Animal Shelter: 955 intakes, euthanasia numbers not provided
Berrien County: 923 intakes, 760 euthanized (82%)
City of Nashville Dog Pound: 485 intakes, 393 euthanized (81%)
Bibb County: no response
Macon Police Animal Control: no response
Bleckley County – City of Cochran Animal Shelter: 90 intakes, 75 euthanized (83%)
Brantley County: no animal control
Brooks County: no response
City of Quitman Animal Shelter: no response
Bryan County: no response
Bulloch County: 3213 intakes, 1858 euthanized (58%)
Burke County: no animal control
City of Sardis: no records of euthanasia in 2007
City of Waynesboro Animal Shelter: 23 intakes, 20 euthanized (87%)
Butts County: 1335 intakes, 907 euthanized (68%)
Calhoun County: no animal control
Camden County: all animals transferred to Humane Society of Camden County
City of Kingsland: all animals transferred to Humane Society of Camden County
Humane Society of Camden County: 4037 intakes, 2838 euthanized (70%)
Candler County - City of Metter Animal Shelter: 515 intakes, 291 euthanized (57%)
Carroll County: 8443 intakes, 5900 euthanized (70%)
Catoosa County: no response
Charlton County: no response, no animal control[3]
Chatham County: 4948 intakes, 3537 euthanized (71%)
City of Tybee Island: all animals transferred to county shelter
Chattahoochee County: no response, no animal control
City of Cusseta: 238 intakes, 231 euthanized (97%)
Chattooga County: 2500 intakes, 700 euthanized (28%)
Cherokee County: 7784 intakes, 3069 euthanized (40%)
Clay County: no animal control
Clayton County: refused to complete questionnaire pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-18-70(d)
Clinch County: no response, no animal control
Cobb County: 13,820 intakes, 6058 euthanized (44%)
Coffee County: all animals transferred to Douglas-Coffee County Humane Society
City of Douglas: all animals transferred to Douglas-Coffee County Humane Society
Douglas-Coffee County Humane Society: 8681 intakes, 7213 euthanized (83%)
Colquitt County: all animals transferred to Moultrie-Colquitt Humane Society
Moultrie - Colquitt Humane Society: 5316 intakes, 4780 euthanized (90%)
Columbia County: 6059 intakes, 2544 euthanized (42%)
Cook County: no response, no animal control
City of Adel: intake numbers not provided, 363 euthanized
City of Sparks Animal Shelter: 102 intakes, 99 euthanized (97%)
Coweta County: 3911 intakes, 1475 euthanized (38%)
City of Grantville Animal Shelter: refused to complete questionnaire pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-18-70
City of Newnan: all animals transferred to county shelter
City of Senoia: all animals transferred to county shelter
Crawford County: no animal control
Crisp County: no response
City of Cordele Animal Shelter: no response
Dade County: no animal control
City of Trenton Animal Shelter: no response
Dawson County: all animals transferred to Hall County Humane Society [Dawson Humane opened 4/2008]
Decatur County: all animals transferred to Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society
Bainbridge - Decatur County Humane Society: 2500 intakes, 1400 euthanized (56%)
Dekalb County: 5673 intakes, 3828 euthanized (67%)
City of Chamblee Animal Control: all animals transferred to county shelter
City of Decatur: all animals transferred to county shelter
Doraville Animal Control: all animals transferred to county shelter
Dodge County: no animal control
City of Eastman: no response
Dooly County: stated it doesn’t have an animal shelter
City of Unadilla: stated all animals transferred to “Dooly County Animal Shelter”
City of Vienna Animal Shelter: no response
Doughtery County: all animals transferred to Albany Humane Society
Albany Police Animal Control: all animals transferred to Albany Humane Society
Albany Humane Society: 4785 intakes, 3966 euthanized (83%)
Douglas County: 4400 intakes, 1922 euthanized (44%)
Early County: no animal control
City of Blakely Animal Control: 175 intakes, 173 euthanized (99%)
Echols County: no response, no animal control
Effingham County: no response
Elbert County: questionnaire not completed due to volunteer’s inability to pay requested amount of $31.79
City of Elberton Police Department: no response
Emanuel County: all animals transferred to Emanuel County Humane Society
Swainsboro Police Department: all animals transferred to Emanuel County Humane Society
Emanuel County Humane Society: 1051 intakes, 663 euthanized (63%)
Evans County: 94 intakes, 81 euthanized (86%)
Fannin County: no response
Fayette County: 1466 intakes, 570 euthanized (39%)
Floyd County: 6474 intakes, 4234 euthanized (65%)
Forsyth County: 4040 intakes, 2158 euthanized (53%)
Franklin County: 3333 intakes, 1875 euthanized (56%)
City of Lavonia Animal Control: no response
City of Royston: no response
Fulton County: 7978 intakes, 3072 euthanized (39%)
City of College Park Public Works Department: all animals transferred to county shelter
Gilmer County: no response
Glascock County: no animal control
Glynn County: 3574 intakes, 2384 euthanized (67%)
Gordon County: 4399 intakes, 3376 euthanized (77%)
City of Calhoun: questionnaire not completed due to volunteer’s inability to pay $150.00
Grady County: 2513 intakes, 1508 euthanized (60%)
Greene County: 953 intakes, 655 euthanized (69%)
City of Greensboro: no response
Gwinnett County: 8953 intakes, 5590 euthanized (62%)
Habersham County: no response
Town of Alto: no response
Town of Mount Airy: no response
Hall County: all animals transferred to Humane Society of Hall County
Humane Society of Hall County: 13,062 intakes, 8818 euthanized (68%)
Hancock County: no animal control
Haralson County: no response
Harris County: 439 intakes, 183 euthanized (42%)
Hart County: no response
City of Hartwell: no response
Heard County: 1142 intakes, 157 euthanized (14%)
Henry County: 6028 intakes, 3226 euthanized (54%)
Houston County: 1686 intakes, 1278 euthanized (76%)
City of Centerville Animal Control: no response
Perry Animal Shelter: 671 intakes, 182 euthanized (27%)
Warner Robins Animal Shelter: 2668 intakes, 1852 euthanized (69%)
Irwin County: no response, no animal control
Jackson County: 925 intakes, 220 euthanized (24%)
City of Commerce: numbers included in county numbers
Jefferson Police Department: no response
Jasper County: refused to complete questionnaire pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-18-70(e)
Jeff Davis County: no animal control
City of Hazlehurst Animal Shelter: 189 intakes, 176 euthanized (93%)
Jefferson County: no animal control
City of Wadley: no response
City of Wrens: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Jenkins County - City of Millen Animal Shelter: 252 intakes, 252 euthanized (100%)
Johnson County: no animal control
Town of Kite: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Jones County: 1581 intakes, 1334 euthanized (84%) [only April-December numbers provided]
Lamar County - City of Barnesville Animal Shelter: 922 intakes, 897 euthanized (97%)
Lanier County: no response, no animal control until 6/2008
Lakeland Animal Shelter: no response
Laurens County: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Lee County: 1471 intakes, 60 euthanized [%NA, majority of animals transferred to Albany Humane Society]
Liberty County: 1923 intakes, 949 euthanized (49%)
Lincoln County: no response, no animal control
City of Lincolnton: no response
Long County: no animal control
Lowndes County: no response
Lumpkin County: no response
Macon County: no animal control
City of Montezuma: no response
Madison County: 2541 intakes, 1198 euthanized (47%)
Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter: no response
Marion County: refused to complete questionnaire pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-18-70(e)
City of Buena Vista: 30 intakes, 23 euthanized (77%)
McDuffie County – Thomson Animal Shelter: no response
McIntosh County: no response
Meriwether County: 693 intakes, 199 euthanized (29%)
Manchester Animal Shelter: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Miller County: no response, no animal control
City of Colquitt: 70 intakes, 62 euthanized (89%)
Mitchell County: 1584 intakes, 1336 euthanized (84%)
Monroe County: no response
Montgomery County: no response, no animal control
Morgan County: 956 intakes, 756 euthanized (79%)
City of Madison Animal Shelter: no response
Murray County: no response
Muscogee County - Columbus Animal Control Center: 7783 intakes, 6093 euthanized (78%)
PAWS Columbus – Muscogee County Humane Society: no response
Newton County: 5206 intakes, 4149 euthanized (80%)
Oconee County: 1631 intakes, 785 euthanized (48%)
Oglethorpe County: no animal control
Paulding County: 6181 intakes, 2372 euthanized (38%)
Peach County: no animal control
City of Byron Animal Shelter: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Fort Valley Police Department: 281 intakes, 281 euthanized (100%)
Pickens County: no response
Pierce County: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Blackshear Animal Control: no response
Pike County: no animal control
Polk County: 3573 intakes, 2959 euthanized (83%)
Pulaski County: no response, no animal control
City of Hawkinsville: no response
Putnam County: 805 intakes, 584 euthanized (73%)
City of Eatonton: no response
Quitman County: no animal control
Rabun County: no animal control until 2008
Randolph County: no animal control
City of Cuthbert: no response
Richmond County: no response
Augusta Animal Services: no response
Rockdale County: 2975 intakes, 1607 euthanized (54%)
Schley County: no animal control
City of Ellaville: 100 intakes, 95 euthanized (95%)
Screven County: no response
Seminole County: no response, no animal control
Spalding County: 3716 intakes, 1294 euthanized (35%)
Griffin Police Department: all animals transferred to county shelter
Stephens County: no response
Stewart County: no animal control
Sumter County: all animals transferred to Sumter County Humane Society
City of Americus: no response
City of Andersonville: no response
City of Plains: no response
Sumter County Humane Society: 2335 intakes, 1798 euthanized (77%)
Talbot County: no response
Talifero County: no animal control
Tatnall County: 473 intakes, 417 euthanized (88%)
Taylor County: no animal control
Telfair County: no response, no animal control
City of McRae: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Terrell County: no response
Thomas County: no response
Tift County: 3943 intakes, 3361 euthanized (85%)
Toombs County: no response, no animal control
Lyons Animal Shelter: no response
Vidalia Police Animal Control: no response
Towns County: no response, no animal control
Treutlen County: no animal control
City of Soperton Animal Control: all animals transferred to Dublin-Laurens Humane Society
Troup County: all animals transferred to LaGrange-Troup Humane Society
City of LaGrange Animal Control Center: 2346 intakes, 1705 euthanized (73%)
City of Hogansville: no response
LaGrange-Troup Humane Society: volunteer failed to send Open Records Act request
Turner County: no animal control
City of Ashburn: 240 intakes, 200 euthanized (83%)
Twiggs County: no animal control
Union County: no response
Upson County - Thomaston Animal Shelter: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Walker County: no response
Walton County: 3457 intakes, 2870 euthanized (83%)
Ware County: all animals transferred to Okefenokee Humane Society
Okefenokee Humane Society: 3248 intakes, 3047 euthanized (94%)
Warren County: no response, no animal control
City of Warrenton Animal Control: no response
Washington County - Sandersville Animal Services: 2117 intakes, 1647 euthanized (78%)
Wayne County: no response, no animal control
City of Jesup: no response
Webster County: no animal control
Wheeler County: no response, no animal control
White County: no response
Whitfield County: 3901 intakes, 3572 euthanized (92%)
Wilcox County: no animal control
Wilkes County: 1023 intakes, 305 euthanized (30%)
Town of Tignall: all animals transferred to county shelter
City of Washington: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
Wilkinson County: no animal control
Worth County: intake and euthanasia numbers not provided
City of Sylvester Dog Pound: refused to complete questionnaire pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-18-70
City of Warwick: all animals transferred to county shelter

[1] O.C.G.A.50-18-70(e) states, “No public officer or agency shall be required to prepare reports, summaries or compilations not in existence at the time of the response.”
[2] Intake and euthanasia numbers reported include wildlife, but the numbers of those animals are negligible compared to the numbers of cats and dogs.

[3] Counties that did not respond and are not included on GDOA’s 2007 list of licensed animal control units are identified herein as “no response, no animal control.”