In DeKalb County, nearly two dozen dogs at Lifeline Animal Project’s shelter face death tonight—just because the shelter ran out of space. Staff have publicly stated that unless homes are found by 7 p.m. today, 19 dogs will be euthanized. This crisis doesn’t need to happen. Communities across Georgia are stepping up. Several dogs have already been adopted or fostered since media attention, showing what’s possible when we act.

But this is more than an emergency—it’s a statewide problem. Georgia tragically ranks among the top states for shelter euthanasia rates, with tens of thousands of pets killed each year due to overcrowding and inadequate resources. Lifeline and other organizations work tirelessly to save lives, but without stronger statewide policy, these lifesaving attempts remain fragile.

We declare that killing healthy, adoptable dogs should be unthinkable in DeKalb—and Georgia as a whole. No healthy, treatable animals should die because of system failures or lack of alternatives. Georgia must move toward no-kill status, defined by saving at least 90% of shelter animals.

We call on DeKalb County officials and state leaders to immediately halt tonight’s euthanasia orders and implement emergency protocols—like foster coordination, temporary kenneling, and adoption outreach.

We also demand the Georgia General Assembly enact legislation that funds statewide no-kill infrastructure—expanding spay/neuter programs, increasing shelter capacity, and supporting rescue networks. Local coalitions across the state have already shown that collaboration and resources can reduce euthanasia rates dramatically. With statewide commitment, Georgia can become a leader in humane sheltering.

Every pet is a life worth saving. Let’s stop killing dogs tonight and build a Georgia where no healthy, adoptable animal is lost.

Sign this petition to demand lifesaving, not euthanasia—not just for DeKalb, but for every corner of our state.