DeKalb Animal Ordinance Could Be Revised (again)

In response to pressure from citizens, the DeKalb County Commission will reconsider provisions in its new animal control ordinance and vote on the proposals June 14.

In December, commissioners revised the ordinance for the first time in more than two decades. But animal advocates criticized the commission for ignoring specific requests, such as abolishing chaining and setting minimum square footage requirements for the animals’ living space.

Earlier this year, about 30 DeKalb residents voiced their frustrations to the commission, and DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones endorsed the their suggestions.

DeKalb Commissioner Kathie Gannon says the proposed revisions will address safety issues and strike an adequate compromise between the county and animal advocates.

“The board thought it had adopted the concerns of the people,” Gannon says. “But we found out the concerns weren’t addressed and we went back to the drawing board.”

The commission will meet Tues., June 14, 9 a.m., in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive. To contact commissioners about the animal ordinance, call 404-371-2886.??