Humane World for Animals Annual Paws, Policy, and Protection Day

     In recent years, animal welfare advocates have witnessed both progress and setbacks in Georgia's efforts to protect shelter animals. The upcoming "Paws, Policy, and Protection Day," hosted by Humane World for Animals as part of the Animal Care Expo, exemplifies the ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, this event will offer a range of services including free microchipping, vaccinations, and pet food distribution for the local community. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate from early morning until mid-afternoon, with transportation provided to and from CAESARS FORUM. The day's activities will also include a plant-based lunch for volunteers and tours of The Animal Foundation's newly renovated eight-acre campus.

     However, despite such initiatives, Georgia has faced a troubling increase in shelter euthanasia rates. In 2023, approximately 19,000 animals were euthanized in the state's government-run shelters. This number rose dramatically to 27,000 in 2024, primarily due to shelter overcrowding and a shortage of adopters. The situation is particularly challenging for smaller facilities like Paws and Play in Quitman, one of Southeast Georgia's few no-kill shelters, which can only accommodate 20 animals at a time.

      This trend is not isolated to Georgia. Nationwide, more than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, surpassing the number of cats (330,000) for the first time since record-keeping began in 2016. The overall euthanasia rate for animals entering the shelter system has increased to 8.5% this year, up nearly 2% from 2021.

     In response to these concerning statistics, various organizations are redoubling their efforts to address the issue. Best Friends Animal Society is advocating for a no-kill goal by 2025, encouraging adoption, fostering, and volunteering at local shelters. In Atlanta, LifeLine Animal Project reported a lifesaving rate of 88.8% in 2024, showing progress towards the 90% no-kill standard. Similarly, Chatham County's combined shelter save rate reached 85% in 2024, with the Humane Society for Greater Savannah achieving an impressive 97% save rate.

     These initiatives highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing shelter capacity with the growing number of animals in need of homes. As Georgia and the nation continue to strive towards no-kill goals, events like Paws, Policy, and Protection Day play a vital role in educating the public and providing essential services to pet owners and shelters. The road ahead remains challenging, but the combined efforts of animal welfare organizations, volunteers, and community members offer hope for a future where every shelter animal has the chance at a loving home.

Here is a list of relevant contact information:

Humane World for Animals:

• Global Headquarters: 1255 23rd St. NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037
• Phone: 202-452-1100 or 866-720-2676
• Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 9pm ET, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm ET
• Website: www.humaneworld.org
• General inquiries email: Not provided, but they have a contact form on their website

LifeLine Animal Project:

• Address: 3180 Presidential Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340
• Phone: 404-292-8800
• Website: www.lifelineanimal.org

Fulton County Animal Services (managed by LifeLine Animal Project):

• Address: 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336
• Phone: 404-613-0358
• Website: FultonAnimalServices.com
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00am – 7:00pm; Tuesday: 11:00am – 8:00pm; Saturday – Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Paws at Play Dog Boarding and Training:

• Address: 1772 Ball Ground Road, Ball Ground, GA 30107
• Phone: 770-375-0038
• Website: pawsatplaydogboarding.com