Tommy T. Travis (D)

How committed are you to expanding the current shelter to accommodate current and future needs during your term?
A: High Commitment

Hire a licensed architect/architectural firm, with a successful track record of building right-sized, life-saving, no-kill animal shelters based on capacity needs.
A: High Commitment

Collect input, and assure its use in expansion plans, from Animal Services staff and volunteers, the DeKalb Animal Advisory Board, as well as the wider community.
A: High Commitment

Use the designated $7.5 million SPLOST II funds, and secure whatever additional amount is needed to complete the expansion.
A: High Commitment

What is your timeline for completing the expanded shelter for DeKalb County?
A: Within my 4-year term

Please use this area to explain any of your answers to shelter staffing questions.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed shelter staffing in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for improving shelter staffing not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a."
A: “I support humane, responsible animal care and recognize that DeKalb County must address current and future shelter capacity challenges. However, expansion alone is not a complete solution. My approach is to pair any facility investment with proven, cost-effective strategies that reduce intake and improve outcomes.

I support engaging a qualified professions to evaluate current and projected needs, but that work must be grounded in accurate data, operational efficiency, and sustainable long term not just increasing physical capacity. I strongly believe input from staff, volunteers, and the community is essential. They are closest to the daily realities and can help ensure any investment is both effective and accountable.

With respect to funding, I support using any existing SPLOST allocations as intended, and carefully evaluating any additional funding to ensure it is justified, transparent, and balanced alongside other county priorities.

Equally important, I believe DeKalb must expand and invest in:

* Prevention and intake reduction programs, including spay/neuter access and community education
* Partnerships with rescue organizations and foster networks to reduce shelter overcrowding
* Adoption and return-to-owner initiatives to move animals through the system more efficiently
* Operational improvements and staffing support to ensure high-quality care

Addressing overcrowding requires a comprehensive, data-driven strategy, not just a larger building. My commitment will be to pursue solutions that are humane, fiscally responsible, and sustainable for the long term.”

How committed are you to strengthening local ordinances to reduce and prevent homeless, neglected, and abused animals?
A: High Commitment

How committed are you to ensuring the passage and enforcement of a new breeding and sales regulation?
A: High Commitment

Spay and Neuter How committed are you to mandating and enforcing a new spay or neuter requirement with pet registration?
A: High Commitment

How committed are you to establishing an Animal Advocate for the County’s impounded animals?
A: High Commitment

How committed are you to establishing an Animal Disposition Hearing process to reduce the number animals impounded for court cases and reduce their shelter stay?
A: High Commitment

What is your timeline for passing a new breeding and sales regulation as well as a spay and neuter requirement with pet registrations, once elected?
A: Within my 4 year term

Please use this area to explain any of your answers to shelter staffing questions.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed shelter staffing in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for improving shelter staffing not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a."

A: “I support humane and responsible animal care policies that reduce overpopulation while remaining practical, enforceable, and fair to residents. Addressing this issue requires a balanced approach that includes stronger enforcement of existing cruelty and neglect laws, targeted regulation of irresponsible breeding practices, and expanded access to low-cost spay and neuter services.

I am particularly interested in solutions that focus on outcomes, such as reducing shelter intake and improving animal welfare, rather than creating mandates that may be difficult to enforce or place unintended burdens on responsible pet owners. Education, community partnerships, and accessible veterinary resources are key components of any successful long-term strategy.

I support reviewing the enforcement policies of breeding regulations that address illegal and inhumane operations, especially those tied to neglect, hoarding, or dog fighting. At the same time, any new policies should be carefully crafted to ensure they do not disproportionately impact responsible owners.

To address overpopulation, I would prioritize expanding public-private partnerships with animal welfare organizations, increasing access to affordable spay and neuter programs, and improving data-driven enforcement efforts. I also support exploring more efficient legal processes, such as disposition hearings, to reduce shelter overcrowding and improve outcomes for animals.

My focus will be on balanced, results-driven policies that protect animals while respecting the broader needs of the community.”

What is your level of commitment to budgeting and filling enforcement positions commensurate with NACA standards?
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to employing two POST certified officers to investigate and make charges related to neglect and cruelty, as well as provide training for all officers on record keeping and building strong cases?
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to increasing training of field officers to improve skills related to bringing owners into compliance with local animal ordinances and state law?
A: Very High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to developing, implementing, and training all staff on a life-saving, public health and safety-based SOP Manual and System?
A: High Commitment

What is your timeline for funding enforcement positions. (i.e., increasing the staff numbers) commensurate with NACA standards once elected, and hiring two POST-certified staff?
A: Within my 4 year term

What is your timeline for ensuring all enforcement staff have received adequate training on bringing owners into compliance with local animal ordinances and state law?
A: Within 2 years

Please use this area to explain any of your answers to shelter staffing questions.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed shelter staffing in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for improving shelter staffing not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a.’

A: “I support a balanced and practical approach to strengthening DeKalb County’s animal enforcement system, one that protects public safety, ensures humane treatment of animals, and is sustainable over the long term.

My priority will be to collaborate with others to stabilize the current system's policies to improve retention, reduce turnover, and ensure existing staff are properly trained and supported. Staffing shortages are a concern, but long-term success depends on building a system that can retain qualified personnel and operate effectively.

I support increasing staffing levels and enhancing investigative capacity, including POST-certified personnel, as part of a phased and accountable approach. Any expansion should be tied to clear performance metrics such as response times, case resolution, and compliance outcomes.

Training is a key area of focus. Well-trained public safety officers who are better equipped to work with residents, resolve issues proactively, and ensure consistent enforcement of local ordinances and state law.

I also support clear and consistent standard operating procedures that reflect best practices in animal services while maintaining a strong focus on public health and safety. These policies should be transparent and consistently applied.

Finally, I believe enforcement should be paired with community education and outreach to improve compliance and reduce repeat issues over time. A balanced approach will lead to better outcomes for residents, staff, and animals alike.”

What is your level of commitment to conducting a compensation study on shelter workers in DeKalb County and publishing findings on appropriate pay?
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to budgeting and filling shelter positions commensurate with NACA standards?
A: High Commitment

What is your timeline for funding shelter staff positions commensurate with NACA standards and with pay informed by the compensation study's results, once elected?
A: Within my 4 year term

Please use this area to explain any of your answers to shelter staffing questions.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed shelter staffing in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for improving shelter staffing not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a."
Please use this area to explain any of your answers to shelter staffing questions.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed shelter staffing in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for improving shelter staffing not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a."
A: “I support strengthening animal services in DeKalb County by ensuring staffing levels and compensation are aligned with both operational needs and fiscal responsibility. Shelter workers perform difficult and important work, and addressing turnover requires a thoughtful, data-driven approach that balances employee support with long-term sustainability.

I support conducting a compensation study to better understand gaps in pay and retention, and to ensure the County remains competitive in recruiting and retaining qualified staff. Any adjustments should be phased and aligned with broader county workforce policies to ensure fairness across departments.

With respect to staffing levels, I support working toward industry-informed benchmarks, such as those referenced by NACA, while recognizing that implementation must be realistic and budget-conscious. This includes evaluating workload, improving operational efficiency, and identifying opportunities to reduce strain on staff through partnerships with nonprofits, rescue organizations, and community-based programs.

In addition to staffing and compensation, I believe we must address root causes that impact shelter capacity, including responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter access, and community education. A comprehensive approach will improve outcomes not only for staff, but for animals and residents as well.

My focus will be on measurable progress, transparency, and sustainable improvements that can be maintained over time.”

For pop-up veterinary services?
A:‍ High Commitment

For spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, etc.?
A: Very High Commitment

For pet food and supply bank(s)?
A:‍ High Commitment

For fencing and outdoor pet shelters?
A:‍ Low Commitment

What is your timeline for providing financial, logistical, and communications support for ongoing programs to increase access to all resources listed above (e.g., food banks, vet care etc)?
A: Within 2 years

Please use this area to explain any of your answers to shelter staffing questions.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed shelter staffing in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for improving shelter staffing not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a."
A: “I support expanding access to basic animal care services as part of a broader, community centered approach that keeps families and their pets together while also protecting public health and safety. Proven, high impact services such as spay or neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping should be prioritized first, as they reduce shelter intake, control overpopulation, and improve long term outcomes for both animals and residents.

I also support partnerships with nonprofits, veterinarians, and community organizations to deliver cost effective services such as mobile or pop-up clinics and pet food assistance, especially in underserved areas. These efforts should be data-driven, targeted, and fiscally responsible to ensure they are sustainable over time.

While I recognize the value of support like fencing and outdoor shelters, I believe public resources should focus first on core services that have the greatest countywide impact. Additional assistance programs should be explored through partnerships and external funding wherever possible.

My approach will be deliberate and careful to ensure DeKalb County delivers practical, measurable solutions that improve animal welfare while balancing the needs of taxpayers, neighborhoods, and overall community safety.”

What is your level of commitment to reduce the stay of all court-held animals, particularly dogs, during your term?
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to establishing policies encouraging surrender by owner in the field and shelter?
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to establishing a hearing process to determine disposition and release of animal(s) during court processes?
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to utilizing a stray animal protocol for length of impoundment prior to release of court case animals? This would be when the owners do not contact the shelter after notice of impoundment.
A: High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to developing a partnership with prosecutors to utilize all options to release animals?
A: Very High Commitment

What is your level of commitment to developing a policy to use Motion to Dispose and Costs of Care in every case and in a timely manner where owners fail to appear or delay trial?
A: High Commitment

What is your timeline for establishing owner surrender policies?
A: Within 2 years

What is your timeline for establishing Motion to Dispose and Cost of Care policies?
A: Within 2 years

Please use this area to explain any of your answers to questions about reducing the stay for court-held animals.

If you have previously worked on this issue, please describe how your efforts have addressed court-held animals in DeKalb County.

Also, please add any thoughts you have for reducing the stay for court-held animals not mentioned above - we want to hear your ideas.

If you have nothing to add, please put "N/a."
A: “I support humane treatment of animals while ensuring policies are practical, legally sound, and fiscally responsible for DeKalb County taxpayers.

The current length of stay for court-held animals is clearly a concern for both animal welfare and cost to the public. I support improving coordination between Animal Services, the County Attorney, and prosecutors to reduce unnecessary delays and ensure existing legal tools are used appropriately and consistently.

At the same time, any reforms must respect due process, protect the integrity of criminal cases, and avoid creating unintended legal or financial liabilities for the County. That includes ensuring decisions about release, surrender, or disposition are based on clear standards, proper documentation, and case-by-case review.

I support:

**Better case tracking and accountability to reduce unnecessary continuances
**Earlier evaluation of cases to determine appropriate use of existing legal options
**Improved communication between Animal Control Officers and prosecutors
**Exploring policies that encourage responsible owner decisions without coercion

My approach is to bring stakeholders together to implement solutions that reduce shelter stays, improve outcomes for animals, and maintain fairness and consistency within the judicial process.”