The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia has formed a coalition to end euthanasia of adoptable animals in shelters across the state.
Led in partnership with Thomasville Humane and Humane Society for Greater Savannah, Better Together Georgia includes municipal shelters, rescue organizations, veterinarians and welfare advocates across the state.
Better Together Georgia aims to use data-driven strategies, collective resources, shelter assistance programs and training opportunities to gradually reduce euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets, according to a release from the shelter.
The coalition is currently using these strategies to assess 44 shelters in Georgia that reportedly euthanize healthy animals due to a lack of resources.The assessments will continue for two years in order to create improvement plans that will increase the adoption rates at each shelter, decreasing the need for euthanasia.
“Each Better Together Georgia member has the same mission: to solve this devastating crisis facing healthy animals in our state and beyond,” HSNEGA’s Vice President of Statewide Initiatives, Katie Ceraso, said. “By uniting our organizations, we can magnify this shared mission and make a meaningful impact that will save thousands of deserving lives each year.”
The decision to form the coalition came after Georgia ranked fifth in the country for the highest rate of euthanasia for animals due to unprecedented overpopulation and lack of resources in 2023, according to HSNEGA.
In order to combat the growing concern, Better Together Georgia will partner with veterinarians in its target regions to provide free spay and neuter surgeries to animals as part of a pilot program. Areas in the pilot program will include Burke, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Columbia, Elbert, Floyd, Hall, Jackson, Morgan and Newton counties, as well as Sandersville and Thomson-McDuffie.
Since the coalition's formation, surgeries have reportedly already been performed in Floyd and Burke counties and will continue based on the veterinarians’ availability.
“Addressing overpopulation at the source through spay and neuter surgery is the most effective tool in saving lives,” Dr. Michelle Cox, DVM, the shelter’s vice president of veterinary medicine, said. “Together, we can stop this tragic cycle in Georgia and hopefully serve as a model for other states to elevate their life saving efforts.”
The group also plans to address factors that contribute to increased shelter intake, such as house breed restrictions and responsible pet ownership, during regional strategy meetings and an annual statewide conference.
As it continues to fulfill its mission, Better Together leaders are actively seeking rescue organizations, animal advocates and community members to join them, as well as licensed veterinarians who may be interested in performing upcoming spay and neuter surgeries.
“There are many moving parts in addressing this mounting issue across the country,” Juan Cueto, interim CEO of HSNEGA, said. “While we don’t yet have all the answers, we do know our best chance at solving this crisis is working toward a solution as a team. This partnership is the first step in the right direction for the betterment of all animals in need and we’re grateful for this opportunity to pioneer this important effort.”
To learn more about Better Together Georgia, click here.
