FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County's animal control services resumed within the City of Atlanta on Wednesday.
During a meeting on Wednesday, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city -- restarting animal control services within city limits effective immediately, according to county officials.
This comes after the county received the agreement that was signed and executed by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens on Tuesday. Following this, it was immediately added to Tuesday's commissioners' meeting agenda and authorized payment for the services.
Services to the city were previously stopped on April 5 after officials said the county had been operating on good-faith efforts for more than three months without a signed intergovernmental agreement.
County officials said despite an almost two-week pause in service, the Fulton County Animal Services facility on Fulton Industrial Boulevard continued to accept animals from the Atlanta residents. In addition, during this time, the facility accepted 98 dogs. According to a news release, calls for services from the City of Atlanta represent approximately 55% of animal control services in the county.
Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts said he is glad the matter was resolved quickly.
"We are especially grateful for staff from both Fulton County and the City of Atlanta who continued to work to protect the safety of animals and people during this pause in services," Pitts stated.
According to a county spokesperson, the board's action addresses services and payment moving forward. The Atlanta City Council is working on an ordinance that involves payment for services from Jan. 1 to now as a way to retroactively pay. That ordinance will go through the council's committee process and is anticipated to come back to the full council on May 6 for approval. The last step would be for the county commission to approve it as well.
Residents needing animal control services can again call 404-613-0358, officials said.