Fulton County halts animal control services in Atlanta amid funding dispute

ATLANTA - Fulton County Animal Control Services has declared it will discontinue its operations within the city, citing a breakdown in negotiations over a renewed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and rising concerns about liability. The announcement came from Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts at a news conference, marking a significant rift between city and county officials over the management and funding of animal services. 

Chairman Pitts expressed regret over the decision but deemed it necessary due to Atlanta's failure to sign the updated IGA, which delineates the financial contributions essential for the continuation of services. Pitts stressed the need for equity in funding across all cities within Fulton County that depend on these crucial services. At the heart of the dispute is a financial disagreement, with county officials pointing to a dramatic increase in operational costs, a burden not mirrored in the payments from Atlanta. The proposed agreement would have seen the city's contribution leap from $2 million to over $6 million, reflecting the surging expenses in animal care and medical services. 

"This was a difficult decision, after months and months of discussion and follow up, but in the end the city left us with no other option," said Pitts.

All cities in Fulton County were told about the changes to the service back in July 2023. Three months later, the county sent out those new agreements. By January, all the cities except Atlanta had signed on.

Despite setting a strict deadline for Atlanta to comply by April 3, the city had not finalized the agreement by the stipulated date. 

"The city's failure to take action brings us to today," said Pitts. 

In response, the city of Atlanta issued a statement accusing county leaders of backtracking on a preliminary agreement due to political reasons, possibly linked to a statement made by Mayor Andre Dickens concerning the recent deaths at the Fulton County Jail. The city criticized the county's decision as politically motivated and a risk to the safety of its residents, highlighting the county's overdue water bills totaling $5.7 million. 

READ THE MAYOR'S STATEMENT HERE

"As we saw the mayor today criticize Fulton County officials, it's just really shocking and disappointing." Dana Barrett, Fulton County commissioner. 

"We will be glad to reconsider our position upon receipt of a final, executed, intergovernmental agreement signed by the mayor of Atlanta," said Pitts.

In a swift counter, Fulton County refuted the city's claims, noting that Atlanta had indeed sent a letter of intent that failed to include fees for 3-and-a-half months of services. With a revised letter not furnished by the given deadline, the county emphasized the city's shifting timelines for finalizing the agreement and accused Atlanta of neglecting numerous deadlines despite ongoing discussions for six months. 

"It's a terrifying thought... you're going to see a rise in animal suffering, you're going to see a rise in homeless animals, stray animals, it's just very important that the city of Atlanta and Fulton County can reach an agreement very quickly." Samantha Shelton, CEO and Founder of Furkids.  

The city is scrambling to set up emergency services for animal care, urging citizens to use 311 for assistance.  

Atlanta statement on animal services 

The city of Atlanta released the following statement regarding Fulton County Animal Services: 

"Today, county leaders reneged on a tentative agreement reached yesterday (and confirmed this morning) to provide animal control services to Atlanta. The City understands that the sudden about-face by the County may be due to a statement by Mayor Dickens in response to a question concerning the recent death of the twelfth inmate to lose their life in the Fulton County Jail. Refusing to honor an agreement based on this statement reeks of political maneuvering and jeopardizes the overall safety of our residents. It’s disheartening that this decision was made after allocating $40 million to a new animal shelter and ignoring calls from the sheriff, human rights organizations, and Clergy to address the continual humanitarian crisis at the county jail. 

"Additionally, Fulton County owes the COA $5.7 million in unpaid water bills, and the city understands the impact of suspending service on citizens and jail inmates. We would not risk endangering the welfare of people or animals while negotiating in good faith to resolve these issues. We expect the same professionalism and care for our citizens and animals from the county. 

"In the interim, the city is identifying emergency services to care for animals in our city humanely, and citizens should call 311 for assistance until this matter is resolved." 

Fulton County on animal services in Atlanta: 

Fulton County responded to Atlanta’s statement about animals services writing:  

"The City of Atlanta did provide a letter of intent to Fulton County. However, that letter did not include fees for 3 ½ months of services. Therefore, on the evening of April 4, the City was asked to provide a corrected letter by this morning (April 5) at 11 a.m. When no corrected letter was provided, the City said that they would send the updated agreement when the Mayor returned to Atlanta "on Tuesday or Wednesday." They also changed the timeframe for providing a final agreement – stating that this update would require the matter to go through the Atlanta City Council’s committee process, extending the matter to May 6, rather than April 15 when promised yesterday. Fulton County has engaged in discussion with the City for the last six months and there has been ample opportunity for this agreement to be brought before the City Council and signed. Each and every deadline provided to the city has been ignored, despite ongoing efforts to reach an agreement."