What started as a search for answers about one dog, Joy, has become something much bigger.

Joy was returned to Cobb County Animal Services after her owners stated she would "try to play attack" the family's cats "but not aggressively." Thirty days later, she was euthanized under the classification "Animal Aggressive."

That immediately raised a question for me: How did a dog surrendered with notes stating "not aggressively" come to be classified as "Animal Aggressive"?

Since Joy's euthanasia, I have submitted Open Records Requests, contacted Cobb County Animal Services management directly, contacted the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, and sought clarification from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

During that process, I asked how Joy came to be classified as "Animal Aggressive," what documented intake-to-outcome process was followed, and what documentation supported that decision. I also requested records relating to behavioural assessments, placement efforts, and the decision-making process.

Those questions were never directly answered, and no documented intake-to-outcome process was provided. My Open Records Request for records supporting the behavioural classification, decision-making process, placement efforts, and the staff who authorised the decision resulted in a response stating that "no responsive records exist."

During my correspondence with Cobb County Animal Services, I was told that Joy had "ample time" to find adoption, foster, or rescue placement. However, I was also told that the shelter does not knowingly adopt out or send dogs it considers aggressive to rescue. I struggle to understand how Joy could have had a realistic opportunity for placement if she had already been classified as "Animal Aggressive."

I was also informed that volunteers are not notified when dogs are facing imminent euthanasia. In Joy's case, a volunteer was in the middle of creating a video to help find her a home, but Joy was euthanized before that effort could be completed.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has since confirmed that behavioural classifications are internal decisions made by county or shelter management and are not regulated by the state. Responsibility for these policies therefore rests with Cobb County.

This petition is no longer just about Joy.

It is about ensuring that every animal entering Cobb County Animal Services benefits from transparent, documented, and accountable decision-making.

We are calling on Cobb County to:
Create, maintain, and follow a documented intake-to-outcome process.
Introduce clear written criteria for behavioural classifications such as "Animal Aggressive."
Require behavioural classifications to be supported by documented observations and evidence.
Document who recommends, reviews, and authorises behavioural euthanasia decisions.
Ensure documented consideration is given to adoption, foster, rescue, and transfer opportunities before euthanasia.
Notify approved rescue organisations and volunteers before behavioural euthanasia, wherever it is safe and practical to do so.
Improve transparency and accountability in shelter decision-making.

Please sign this petition if you believe every animal deserves a fair, transparent, and properly documented decision-making process before euthanasia is considered.