Animal advocates, subject experts unite for State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) address+ luncheon

DECATUR, GA–Animal advocates are uniting in DeKalb County to present the State of DeKalb Animals(SoDA) address and luncheon, the first in a series of gatherings aimed at finding solutions for the animal services challenges plaguing the county. Registration is open now for the event, which is scheduled Wednesday, April 10, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Decatur.

DeKalb County Commissioner Michell Long Spears, who represents District 2, is spearheading the event in collaboration with the DeKalb Board of Commissioners, DeKalb administration and a volunteer-led design team. Spears will lead a panel discussion at the luncheon with subject matter experts, including:

• Animal Law Expert and Attorney Claudine Wilkins,
• UGA Professor Lisa Milot
• Veterinarian /Social Justice advocate Gloria Dorsey
• DeKalb Sheriff Melody Maddox.

The panel discussion will explore the connection between animal problems and people problems, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

“I’m honored to facilitate this critical conversation alongside such esteemed experts in their respective fields,” said Spears. “Together, we’ll delve into the intricate relationship between animal challenges and societal well-being, forging a path toward a more compassionate, healthy, and harmonious community.”

Distinguished Emory University professor and bestselling author of “What it’s Like to be a Dog,” Gregory Berns will serve as keynote speaker. His book will be available for purchase at the event.

The SoDA initiative envisions an animal services system where every animal is safeguarded from abuse or neglect, and zero companion animals are left homeless. Grounded in the DeKalb County Animal Advisory Board’s “Common Sense Solutions: Plan for a Better Tomorrow,” adopted by the DeKalb Board of Commissioners last year, SoDA aims to create a future where no animal suffers due to violence or neglect.

Rebecca Guinn, CEO of LifeLine Animal Project, the nonprofit  that manages the DeKalb County animal shelter, said that resources are sorely needed and a true test became evident during the pandemic.

“LifeLine has been able to save more than 90 percent  of the animals entering the DeKalb County shelter for several years, but we faced substantial challenges in 2023, with more people needing help, more animals entering the shelter, and fewer adopters and rescue partners to help get animals out of the shelter,” said Guinn. “The shelter can only serve as a band-aid for a community-wide problem. We are proud to partner with DeKalb County this year to provide greater access to care for pets in need and help keep pets and people together.”

Claudine Wilkins, animal law expert and attorney, expressed excitement about the upcoming event.

“We’re thrilled to bring together DeKalb County’s animal decision makers, advocates, and community members to address the pressing challenges facing our furry friends. Together, we’re shaping a future where every animal is valued, protected, and loved,” said Wilkins.

Seating is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first served basis.

For registration and additional information, visit https://bit.ly/SoDA_address.