CONYERS KENNEL CLUB MARCH 2011 NEWSLETTER
Hello Everyone, our meeting will be next Monday, March 14, 2011 at our regular time, 6:30 pm
to eat and the meeting will start around 7:30 pm at IHOP as usual.
CONYERS KENNEL CLUB
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 21, 2011
President Don Watson opened the meeting at 7:30 by welcoming members and thanking everyone that worked the show.
Don asked for any corrections or additions to the minutes as published in the newsletter. With no corrections a motion was made to accept the minutes as published by Rhea Spence and seconded by Renae Watson.
Treasurer Rhea Spence distributed copies of the budget for discussion.
Don said the AKC had sent notification that no more shows will be added to the show schedule. He is checking to see if Griffin KC was approved before the moratorium on new shows was adopted.
Don reported that he received many compliments on the show. The judges were pleased with the ringside hospitality.
Linda Jackson thanked the club for the basket, cards and support for her at this time.
She reported that Handling Class will begin on April 12th and continue through May 17th. The cost will remain the same at $5 per handler.
Sue Shelton reported the Match will be April 30th or May 1st. Mike Houchard will check availability of the Maxell facility.
Don has received an application for membership from Bonnie Young from McDonough. She works on Monday nights and is unable to attend the 2 required meetings for membership. The members voted to consider her for membership after two readings of her application. Don and Mike Shelton will sponsor her for membership.
The Cluster voted to bring Griffin KC into the Cluster for the August show. There are still some details to be worked out. There will be a Cluster meeting on the 10th to work on the Cluster Agreement and Don will need at least 2 members to attend.
Mike Houchard asked for the clubs decision on the delegates for the AKC Board. The club asked him to vote for Carmen Battaglia and John Roland. They also requested that Mike make the decision as to the third candidate to vote for.
Mike reported that the there is a bill to add bittering to antifreeze has been dropped.
Don is looking into the tethering and registration issue in Newton County. He has not had any updates as to when the proposed workshop and meetings will take place.
Jackie Dilworth reported that we need more trophy donations for the upcoming shows. March is the deadline for the August show.
With no further news to discuss, the following brags were made:
Mike Shelton reported that Myst went to Group all three days in Atlanta and a Reserve win last weekend. Mike also reported that they are the proud owners of English Setter Oakley Swagger!
Merry Carol Houchard reported that Mike Houchard has been awarded the Outstanding Citizen for Conyers and also received the Charles P Cole Award for the Outstanding Citizen for Rockdale County.
Rhea Spence reported that Piper is a granddad for the third time (2 boys & 2 girls).
Linda Jackson reported that her breeder Jay took breed at Westminster with Afghan Mogli. This will be the sire of Linda’s next dog.
Recorded by Jerri Dandelske, Secretary
15TH AKC NATIONAL AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF ENTRIES
-- More Than 1,000 Dogs Will Compete April 1-3, 2011 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA --
New York, NY - The 2011 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC), sponsored by Eukanuba and J &J Dog Supplies, has drawn a total of 1,136 entries, the largest entry total in the 15-year history of the event. The 2011 entry grew 17% overall when compared to 2010 totals, including a 22% increase in the Preferred classes.
"We look forward to welcoming the nation's top agility competitors to this beautiful site in Virginia for our biggest and best AKC National Agility Championships yet," said AKC Director of Agility Carrie DeYoung. "In addition to our growing entries, we are also very excited to be able to welcome for the first time two All-American dogs to our Championship competition. We wish all of our entrants the best of luck."
For the first time ever, the American Kennel Club will use Twitter to publish real-time results, making AKC the first dog sport organization to use social media in this manner. Anyone who wants to feel like they are sitting in the bleachers can simply "follow" one or all of the rings on Twitter: www.twitter.com/AKCRing1, www.twitter.com/AKCRing2, www.twitter.com/AKCRing3, www.twitter.com/AKCRing4, www.twitter.com/AKCRing5. A full run order listing of exhibitor's names, dog's call names, armband #s and ring #s will be posted to AKC's National Agility Championship's web page http://www.akc.org/events/agility/national_agility_championship/ Thursday afternoon prior to the event weekend.
Followers will be able to see each dog's score and time within minutes of the run and exhibitors will be able to quickly check where each ring is at in the running order. Once a jump height has concluded its round of competition, all results will be posted both on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/AKCNACResults) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AmericanKennelClub). All final results, courses and pictures will be posted each day on the AKC National Championship website.
Also bookmark the AKC Facebook page to stay on top of the latest event updates; exhibitor interviews, photos and videos; and behind-the scenes information and results during the competition itself. RSVP to the AKC National Agility Championship Event Page and you won't miss a thing!
2011 AKC National Agility Championship by the Numbers:
* 2 - All-American Dogs will participate for the first time since the AKC Canine Partners program began allowing mixed-breed dogs to participate in the AKC Companion events of Agility, Obedience and Rally.
* 5 - Rings of competition with real-time results via Twitter.
* 13 - Juniors Handlers, under the age of 18, the highest Junior entry ever.
* 23 -Past National Agility Champions entered.
* 750 - MACH (Master Agility Champion) Dogs competing, including one MACH16.
* 1,136 - Record-breaking entry total!
* Highest Breed Totals:
* 244 Border Collies
* 222 Shelties
* 66 Australian Shepherds
* 62 Golden Retrievers
* 45 Poodles
* 41 Pembroke Welsh Corgis
* Largest Numbers of Competitors By State:
* New Jersey: 91
* Illinois: 85
* Pennsylvania: 82
* Ohio: 75
* California: 67
* Virginia: 61
* Texas: 59
* Wisconsin: 52
* New York: 51
* North Carolina: 47
* Dogs Titled in Other Arenas:
* 95 Breed Champions
* One Triple Champion
* 5 Herding Champions
* 4 Obedience Champions
* Breakdown by Height Class:
Regular Classes:
* 8": 114 dogs
* 12": 227 dogs
* 16": 230 dogs
* 20": 290 dogs
* 24": 111 dogs
* 26": 62 dogs
Preferred Classes:
* 4": 10 dogs
* 8": 21 dogs
* 12": 21 dogs
* 16": 30 dogs
* 20": 19 dogs
More about the 2011 AKC National Agility Championship:
The 15th annual NAC will take place at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA on April 1, 2 & 3, 2011.
The AKC National Agility Championship consists of five rounds. The Excellent Jumpers with Weaves, Standard and Hybrid classes are open to all dogs. Round 4's Challenger's Class will be open only to the top four dogs per jump height as determined by the previous three rounds. The top 7% of all Regular dogs entered and the top 7% of all Preferred dogs entered will move on to the Championship Round (Round 5).
2011 Judges:
Sam Banks - Mattaponi, VA
Janet Budzynski - Newtown, PA
Bob Long - Spring Valley, CA
Ann McQuillen - Somerset, CA
Tom Slattery - Afton, MN
Scott Stock - Lehighton, PA
For full details about the 2011 AKC National Agility Championship, visit http://www.akc.org/events/agility/national_agility_championship/
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AKC ANNOUNCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION RESULTS
-- Robert A. Amen, Carmen L. Battaglia & Steve D. Gladstone Elected --
New York, NY – At the Annual Meeting of the American Kennel Club on March 8, 2011, the AKC Board of Directors Class of 2015 was elected. The three Directors elected were: Robert A. Amen, Delegate for Port Chester Obedience Training Club, Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia, Delegate for the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, and Steven D. Gladstone, Delegate for the Greater Naples Dog Club. In addition, Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected as Chairman of the Board and Dr. Thomas M. Davies was re-elected as the Vice Chairman of the Board at a meeting of the AKC Board of Directors, convened after the Delegate Meeting.
• Ronald H. Menaker has been the Chairman of the AKC Board of Directors since 2002. Menaker represents the Rockford-Freeport Illinois Kennel Club and is Show Chairman for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. An active participant in the sport of purebred dogs for more than 40 years, he bred and exhibited Giant Schnauzers, and has also shown Bedlington Terriers and Norfolk Terriers. A licensed AKC judge since 1994, Menaker is approved to judge Best in Show, all Working breeds, all Sporting breeds, all Terrier breeds, and multiple other breeds. Menaker is also a member of the Board of Overseers for the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School.
Menaker is a retired Managing Director and Head of Corporate Services of J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated of New York, and a past President and Director of J. P. Morgan Services, Inc. He is also Vice Chairman and past Chairman of New York Downtown Hospital. Menaker resides in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey with his wife Kathy.
• Dr. Thomas M. Davies, AKC Delegate for the Springfield Kennel Club, was first
seated as a delegate in 1974. He was elected to the Board in 2000 and has served
on the Public Relations Committee, the Events and Clubs Committee, the Breeders
Committee and chaired the Group Realignment Committee.
Dr. Davies has been involved in several breeds, but has had significant influence on the Bearded Collie. His involvement with the breed began before its official recognition by the AKC when he served as president of the Bearded Collie Club of America. While at this post, Davies was responsible for getting the breed into the AKC Stud Book. He is an honorary lifetime member of the club and is the author of the Bearded Collie standard. In the mid-80’s, Dr. Davies became deeply involved in Siberian Huskies and Belgian Sheepdogs. He and his wife have bred and finished many champions in all three breeds. Dr. Davies continues to be an active member of the fancy. He is an approved judge for the Herding Group, Akitas and Siberian Huskies. He has served as show chairman for the Springfield Kennel Club and for the Connecticut River Working Group Association, the country’s first Working Group club. He has also served in various capacities for many all-breed and specialty clubs.
Professionally, Dr. Davies retired from the Bayer Corporation after more than thirty years in various areas of scientific research and product development. He currently resides in Brimfield, Massachusetts with his wife Roberta.
AKC Board of Directors Class of 2015
• Robert A. Amen, of Stamford, Connecticut, has served as an AKC Delegate for Port Chester Obedience Training Club since 2006 and is currently a member of the Delegate Obedience, Tracking & Agility Committee. As an obedience exhibitor/trainer, he has earned an OTCH on four dogs and has received an invitation to the AKC National Obedience Invitational for the past seven years. He judges obedience; has shown dogs in conformation, lure coursing and agility; and has appeared on the NBC Today Show and CBS Morning News with his obedience dog. Robert spent forty years in the Reputation Management/Corporate Relations field. His career included senior executive posts with Fortune 500 companies, the management of his own consulting business and the presidency of the Ketchum Global Corporate Relations practice.
• Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia, of Roswell, Georgia, owns and breeds German Shepherd Dogs and is Delegate and Past President of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. Carmen has chaired the Committee for the Future and Business/Planning Committee and as a former AKC Director, served as Board liaison for the Health, Parent Club, HEC and By-Laws Delegates committees. He has published articles on breeding and legislation as well as several award-winning books. He also serves as an AKC expert witness in dog legislation cases and has written county dog legislation which resulted in the model that is used in several states. Carmen possesses a Doctorate from Florida State University and has been Assistant Dean at Emory University and Regional Administrator at the US Department of Education. He is also the President of Atlanta Student Aid (financial aid consulting Firm) as well as the past president/owner of three post secondary schools which were located in two states.
• Steven D. Gladstone, of Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, has bred Cardigan Welsh Corgis that, since 1974, have earned more than 100 AKC titles in breed, obedience, herding, tracking and agility. A former AKC Director, he is currently the Delegate for the Greater Naples Dog Club. Steve also serves as president of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America and has previously served as Chairman of both the Board Business Committee and the Board Audit Committee. Steve strives to use his legal training, entrepreneurial experience and business savvy to advocate for a common sense approach to administering the sport and to bring to AKC fair, equitable and impartial governance.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
-- New Performance and Agility Opportunities Available to Competitors --
New York, NY – The American Kennel Club has recently launched several new competitive opportunities for exhibitors in Performance Events and Agility, and I’m pleased to update you about the success and progress of these programs.
The Blue Grass Coursing Club and Greyhound Association of Northern Georgia hosted the first AKC Coursing Ability Tests at the end of February. This new Titling event, which tests the dog’s ability to course, opens up the fun of Lure Coursing to beyond sight hounds to all dogs - purebreds and mixed-breeds.
There were 28 different breeds of all shapes and sizes coursed, including a Newfoundland, Great Dane, Boxers, Cardigan Welsh Corgis as well as mixed-breed dogs. The first dog to earn a Coursing Ability Title was “Juno,” a Belgian Tervuren who also earned his AKC Championship three weeks prior.
The clubs received 158 entries over the five tests, and approximately 75% of the dogs passed, but the real focus was on camaraderie and fun. Competitors provided positive feedback, cheered on each other’s dogs and enjoyed the day. We look forward to seeing this event expand to clubs across the country. A big thank you goes to Doug Ljungren, AKC’s Performance Events AVP, for bringing this new sport to life!
In Agility, I’m pleased to announce the creation of the Preferred Agility Championship title, or PACH, which will take effect July 1st. Originally scheduled for 2013, we’re happy to implement it almost 2 years ahead of schedule to recognize our Preferred Agility dogs. Dogs must achieve a minimum of 750 championship points and 20 double qualifying scores from the Excellent Standard and Jumpers with Weaves classes to obtain the championship.
The PACH title is also retroactive, so that any dog that met the requirements prior to July 1st, 2011 will have PACH prefix added to their AKC registered name in the registration database.
We are also looking forward to the upcoming 15th annual AKC National Agility Championship, in Lexington, VA on April 1-3. We have a record-breaking 1,136 entries, including for the first time ever Canine Partners listed dogs. And for even more fun, we’re using Twitter to publish real-time results of every run in every ring (ex. www.twitter.com/AKCRing1, etc.). We hope the exhibitors and spectators really enjoy this!
Finally, we’re pleased to announce the first Master Agility Champion mixed-breed dog. “Prince Doggie,” a 5-year-old from Michigan completed the MACH title requirements on February 20 at a trial in Dexter, Michigan. This title came just ten months after the Canine Partners program enrollees became eligible to compete in AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally trials. It’s impressive to note that this accomplishment was achieved by a first-time dog owner! Congratulations to Prince Doggie!
We hope all of these new events will attract new dog owners to the world of AKC events! We look forward to showing the public the fun they can have with their dog as well as providing new competitive avenues for our long-time competitors.
For the latest updates and coverage on these new programs, stay tuned to www.akc.org and AKC’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
Subject: RE: [AKC-legislative- liaisons] MO: Action Needed
Forwarded with the author’s permission:
This is
Kim Krohn, Legislative Liaison for the Greater Kansas City Dog Training Club and
the Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America. I
live in Blue Springs, MO, which is a long way
from Louisiana but
you'd never know It because the alligators have been up to my you-know-what for
some time now.
I'm also a
board member of the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners. I'm also the President
of the Endangered Breeds Association where I am walking in very tall cotton with
some people that have been
fighting this animal rights battle long before most people even knew it
existed. St. Joseph has 75,000 people and is about an hour north of Kansas
City. St. Joe has a director of animal control
(or whatever his title is) that's an animal rights activist and we're reasonably certain he has ties to HSUS. He went down to Springfield, MO a few years ago to try and convince them to pass breeder
ordinances. He was at the capitol a few weeks ago for the senate Agriculture Committee hearings on bills to modify and gut Prop B in Missouri, and he was really angry that he didn't get to give
testimony. I'm not sure who is paying for this but he is definitely in violation of the St. Joe city charter and he appears to be violating the city's personnel manual.
He is
flaming mad that our legislators are in the process of gutting Proposition B at
the state level, so he has been on a campaign to get the city of St. Joe to pass
a municipal version of Prop B since
they are a charter (first class) city and can do so. I knew he'd been making noise about this but I had no idea this idea had any legs or support from the city. It's already had a first reading. Typically
ordinances
of this nature go to a committee or study session first.
This ordinance is far worse than Prop B. There is no way a hobby/show breeder can comply with this, even if they wanted to do so.
There are two state licensed commercial breeders in St. Joe and they are both single women on social security. The kennels moderate in size (about 50 dogs) and are supplemental income, and both
facilities are quite nice. This will put them out of business. The women on the St. Joe council are in favor of this ordinance because "they can't stand the thought of those dogs in cages". I want to ask
them
if they would prefer to see the dogs in the city's incinerator and the women
living under a bridge - perhaps they can stand that picture a little easier.
It always amazes me that a city shelter can look like Dante's Seven Circles of Hell, but commercial and hobby breeders should be required to provide living quarters that put Shangri-La to shame for their
animals. My husband's comment was the only thing missing from the St. Joe ordinance was a requirement that dogs and cats be served umbrella drinks!
The city has a notice on their web site that the AnimalKind program that provides low cost speutering is about out of funds due to an overwhelming demand from the public. So yes, let's use resources to
send animal control into private homes looking for debris in the water dish because that person has more than three intact dogs or cats. That's a good use of tax dollars.
The press release about the AnimalKind program reads, and you can not make this up, The intent of the program is to reduce the number of cats and medium to large size dogs that are often impounded
at the Animal Control & Rescue Shelter. Trends show there is far less demand for these types of animals, and they all too often end up being euthanized.
Putting a stop to breeding in the first place addresses the issue in a more positive and humane manner and prevents innocent animals from being euthanized. Based on the number of animals already
sterilized under this program, hundreds of offspring have been saved from possible euthanasia.> > (emphasis mine) My husband said that has to be the most twisted logic on the planet. Not only that
but you would think HSUS could turn loose of some money for the program - oh, I almost typed that without laughing.
We've been in contact with Patrick Byrne, St. Joe Kennel Club President, and Dale Hunsberger, the kennel club treasurer. We've all sent letters. The St. Joe Kennel Club is the second oldest kennel club
west of th Mississippi River. They just held their show and it's estimated the show brings in 1.5 million to St. Joe in revenue. That's a lot of money for a city of that size and it's also at a time of year
when nothing else is going on here in the frozen midwest. I have already told the kennel club I have good contacts with the American Royal complex in Kansas City and can get them a good deal on a
different venue should they decide to leave St. Joe, as well as parking passes (the fact that the man in charge of the Royal likes me and my friend Sharon Bloss so well is a testament to what a pain
in the tush the horse people are).
The director of animal control is contending the current city ordinance is"vague". That must be the only adjective in the animal rights handbook. They pulled that "vague" crap when they defended Prop B
to the Senate Ag committee, only to have the argument turned on its head when they put their own "vague' terminology into the statute. My favorite is "nutritious food". I am not sure what that is but I've
watched my own dogs eat grass, leaves, turkey poop, bird seed, bird poop, deer poop, squirrel poop, each others' poop, newspaper, acorns, firewood, lirope, squirrels, rabbits, charcoal from the grill,
and all sorts of things that are supposed to kill them like grapes, pointsettias, and chocolate. No one is dead or starving yet! I've also seen them ignore the clean water in the bowl on the deck and go
down to the yard and drink water that's drained off the roof and sitting in the splash guards! So much for that "water free of debris" nonsense! there is just all kinds of crazy in that St. Joe ordinance. We
are mobilized and prepared to try and stop this nonsense. In my letter to the city I suggested they tour the two commercial kennels, visit several hobby breeders in their homes, and by all means tour
the lovely city shelter!
Kim Krohn
Subject: GA legislative alert Pet Tax
To:
Date: Monday, February 28, 2011, 9:07 PM
Hi all,
A bill has been introduced in Georgia that would begin taxing many services, including veterinary services. Currently, veterinary services, such as spays, other surgeries, physical examinations, etc., are not taxed. There are only 3 states in the country, Hawaii, New Mexico, and North Dakota (I think I have those correct) that tax veterinary services.
If there is any hope to stop taxation of veterinary services, it will take MANY letters and phone calls from the pet owning public. I have attached a PDF file from the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association concerning the bill. Please take time to contact your legislator and please send the attachment to every pet owner you can. If you are associated with a kennel club, please make sure this is distributed within the club.
Best regards,
Mary
OPPOSE THE PET TAX – HOUSE BILLS 385-388
Take Action by Contacting your Legislator Today
Please join our veterinary practice and Georgia Veterinary Medical Association
(GVMA) as we oppose House Bill 385, House Bill 386, House Bill 387 and House Bill
388, which all include language that will tax “veterinarian expenses for pets.”
Veterinarians are the only healthcare group targeted.
Currently, veterinary services are not taxed; medications and supplies are taxed.
Should the proposed pet tax become written into law, pet owners could see
veterinary bills increase by an overall 7% to 8% due to taxation, per standard
protocol for counties to add county tax to the proposed 4% state tax.
How you can help:
1. Identify your legislator via http://www.legis.ga.gov
2. Write a letter requesting that the legislator oppose any effort to impose Pet
Tax. See the sample letter & message points included.
3. Enlist your fellow pet owners and animal lovers to do the same!
4. Media inquiries or questions?
Please refer any media inquiries to GVMA. We have dedicated, mediatrained
spokespersons to ensure consistent messaging. We welcome your
questions at 678.309.9800 or gvma@gvma.net.
About Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA)
Serving veterinarians since 1906, Georgia Veterinarian Medical Association (GVMA) is Georgia’s
leading professional association committed to advancing the veterinary medical profession and
supporting the veterinarian's role in improving animal and public health. GVMA is the voice of the
veterinary medical profession in legislative matters and provides benefits unique to its members
including advocacy and representation, business resources, education, LEAP program – Legal,
Ethical and Professional Continuing Education, practice management, professional development,
its signature Find a Veterinarian search engine and more. Chartered in 1992 as the organization’s
support arm, the GVMA Foundation develops animal welfare programs, supports various existing
programs that contribute to the well-being of animals and enhance the human-animal bond,
provides scholarships and awards to Georgia’s students pursuing veterinary medical careers. For
more information, please visit www.gvma.net.
Sample letter
Your address (or use letterhead stationary)
Date
The Honorable John Doe
344 Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30339
Dear Representative (or Senator) Doe:
As a pet owner, I am writing to express my concern regarding House Bill 385, the proposed pet tax.
(Include one or two concise paragraphs describing your concerns).
With this in mind, I respectfully ask that you oppose any effort to impose a tax on veterinary services.
Your consideration of this matter would be truly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Polly Pet Owner
Tips for a great letter
Mail or fax your letter. You may also opt to e-mail your letter as text pasted in the body of the e-mail.
Refer to your legislator in the address box as “The Honorable”.
Be succinct. Message points, below, are provided as fodder for your letter.
Explain how the proposed tax would impact the health of the animals in your care and potentially the
public health of your community.
Message points
No other professionals are being targeted by this legislation. Nor are any other health care professionals, who are
also service providers, finding their practices threatened. Medical services have long been exempt from taxation at
the state and federal level.
Only three states (HI, NM, SD) have ever taxed veterinary services.
Taxing veterinary services has been proposed by several states in the past few years (CA, ME, MI, PA), and this was
rejected by legislators as contrary to the best interests of citizens of those states.
In the current economy, animal owners must make difficult decisions regarding the welfare of their pets and/or
horses. Adding sales tax to veterinary services may force owners to forego life-saving procedures and opt for
economic euthanasia.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly two out of every three households have a pet,
and a majority of pet owners have more than one. A tax on veterinary services could have a substantial financial
impact on responsible veterinary care of pets.
Veterinary services are the only professional services proposed for taxation. Veterinary services are also the only
healthcare services listed. (Appendix I - recommendations of the 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness
for Georgians)
Veterinarians are subject to many of the same laws and regulations as their physician counterparts. Medical
services have long been exempted from taxes on state and federal levels.
The public health and safety will be at risk. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 80% of
diseases in humans originate in animals. Studies show that veterinarians are most likely to identify these zoonotic
diseases. A recent nationwide study by Bayer Animal Health showed that routine veterinary checkups have
declined in the past years due to the economy. Increased expenses will intensify this trend, causing pet owners to
forego veterinary care. Pet abandonment will increase, and many pets will be euthanized.
Pets are often abandoned to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Animal shelter populations are
increasing beyond capacity, yet counties are cutting budgets. In the past two years, the number of cats and dogs
euthanized at animal shelters in the five core metro counties has risen 24 percent. Almost 30,000 cats and dogs
were euthanized in Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties alone last year.
Rescue groups that rehome animals as alternatives to shelters and euthanasia would also be affected.
Newsletter-Sandra McCurry
