Animal shelters in DeKalb and Fulton counties in metro Atlanta are facing critical overcrowding, with staff warning that dogs could be euthanised to create space unless more are adopted or placed in foster homes.
DeKalb County Animal Services is housing 508 dogs in a facility designed for 475, while Fulton County’s shelter has 423 dogs despite a maximum capacity of 375.
The pressure has intensified during the warmer months, when animal intakes traditionally rise. DeKalb staff said 84 more dogs had arrived since Tuesday, further limiting the room available for animals already in care.
Dogs placed on weekly euthanasia list
Jessica Davis, of DeKalb County Animal Services, said the shelter was having to draw up a weekly list of dogs at risk when it exceeded its humane capacity.
“Every week when we’re over capacity, we do have to make a space euthanisation list,” she said. “Those dogs are selected from our at risk list.”
The usual deadline for adopters and rescue organisations to take dogs from the list was Thursday night. With little movement, officials extended it first to Friday and then through Saturday in an effort to save more than two dozen animals.
Officials had not confirmed how many dogs were ultimately saved before the final deadline, or whether further extensions would be granted.
Both shelters are operated by LifeLine Animal Project under arrangements with the counties. The organisation has said that overcrowding creates stressful conditions for animals, makes cleaning more difficult and increases the risk of illness.
Shelter workers are urging people to adopt or foster where possible. Fulton County says foster carers are provided with veterinary care, food and essential equipment, while adoption fees include vaccinations, neutering or spaying and microchipping.
Animal welfare staff are also encouraging owners to have their pets spayed or neutered, saying that preventing unwanted litters could help reduce the number of animals entering already overcrowded shelters.
