Abstract
Roberta Shoaf, Director of the DeKalb County Animal Shelter, donated the DeKalb County Animal Shelter Records to the Regional History Center on April 14, 2014. Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public. There are no restrictions on access to the collection.
Administrative/Biographical History
DeKalb County began the formation of the Animal Welfare Society of DeKalb County in 1974. Headed by the efforts of Geraldine Hayward, the shelter was established in a barn donated by Geraldine Hayward that was located next to her house. In 1975, the organization changed its name to the DeKalb County Animal Welfare League, and 35 years later to the DeKalb County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. The organization has been dedicated to animal rights, fair treatment, and finding loving homes for the many animals who have found their way to the shelter. With support from the community and donors, the organization has been able to renovate and expand their facilities over the years allowing them to increase the amount of animals they rescue. The shelter housed sixty animals at a time in 1975, and today cares for 120 animals each day.