Animal kill rates in Ga. have nearly tripled over the last 4 years
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Thursday, lawmakers and animal advocates gathered for the first annual Paws, Policy, and Protection Day, hosted by Humane World for Animals.
Cindy Iacopella, Georgia state director of Humane World for Animals, said they’re focused on trying to address statewide concerns of overcrowding, staffing shortages, and financial constraints impacting Georgia animal services.
The event sought to bring awareness, promote pet adoption, ask for for shelters, and reduce euthanasia rates.
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Georgia’s euthanasia rates have tripled over the last four years. This month, the Georgia Department of Agriculture released a report that shows 33,109 dogs and cats were euthanized by Georgia animal control.
“As solutions are concerned, we look at it as a collaborative effort. We like to keep pets and people together. So it’s providing resources to families who are falling on hard time,” said Iacopella. “We all know the economic crisis that we’re under, and the price of food. They have to choose whether to feed their children or to feed the animals. People don’t want to give up their pets, but they get put in a situation where they have no other choice.”
State Rep. Jordan Ridley sponsored a bill that would require a court order for euthanasia of any domesticated animal.
He named the bill the Justice for Peanut and Fred Act for Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon who were beloved on social media.
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The pair were euthanized by New York officials after anonymous complaints that the animals had rabies.
“Just seeing like what happened with that person, all the public outcry people talking about, well, the state could come in and seize my animal. So we just want to make sure that people across the state that their animals are protected,” said Rep. Ridley.
Ridley’s says he’ll be fighting hard for the bill next year, after it never made it past committee before the deadline.
Georgia ranks in the top 10 states when it comes to animal kill rates according to the Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill campaign.
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