DeKalb commissioners delay vote again on new animal shelter

DECATUR, Ga. — DeKalb County commissioners were set to vote Tuesday on whether the county will get a new animal shelter, but officials delayed the vote.

It was the latest development in the fight over the current shelter, which some call a "house of horrors."

Activists packed a commissioner's meeting in Decatur, demanding officials to make changes. For more than a year, Channel 2 Action News has reported on the roaches, poor ventilation and lack of staffing that has plagued the current shelter for years. Activists are eyeing a site near the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport for a new shelter, but commissioners said they're not ready to make a decision.

Commissioners tabled a vote on the matter last month, and delayed it further Tuesday. They said they want another survey to help make a decision. Presiding commissioner Lee May said they need more time, with nearly $3 million in tax money at stake.

"The commissioners are simply asking questions, so that we can make a wise and sound decision in terms of the millions of dollars that we're going to have to allocate for an animal services facility," May told Channel 2's Sophia Choi.

During the meeting, DeKalb resident Barbara Davis said, "Really?  How much more studying can you do? What are you afraid of, that you're going to get it wrong? Can you get it any more wrong than it is now?"

May said it will be at least six more weeks before the commission is ready to take a vote.

WSBTV