Georgia Pet Coalition Released Legislative Scorecards
The nonpartisan group unveiled new ratings to help residents evaluate state lawmakers on animal welfare issues.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Pets — General
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The Georgia Pet Coalition has released legislative scorecards for state lawmakers ahead of the November 3, 2026, midterm election. The nonpartisan advocacy group also provided a list of questions for voters to ask candidates about animal welfare policy.
Why it matters
The organization aims to educate voters on animal welfare issues to influence the upcoming midterm election outcomes. This move follows a period of rising shelter dog deaths and ongoing legislative debates over state spending.
Public shelter dog deaths in Georgia increased by nearly 10,000 between 2021 and 2025, reaching a total of over 20,000. Additionally, Georgia remains the only state in the country where cockfighting is not classified as a felony.
The players
Georgia Pet Coalition
This is a nonpartisan advocacy group that promotes animal welfare legislation and voter education across the state.
The details
Advocates from the coalition are meeting with state lawmakers to provide education on animal protection, while also distributing candidate questionnaires. The group evaluates politicians based on their support for animal welfare bills amidst a backdrop of recent state fiscal changes, including a $1.3 billion income tax-related deficit and $300 million in vetoed spending.
Timeline
2021-2025: Period where public shelter dog deaths grew by nearly 10,000.
2025: Year when seven of 10 supported animal welfare bills passed.
2026: Year when six of nine supported animal welfare bills passed.
November 3, 2026: Date of the upcoming Georgia midterm election.
Culture Shift
The coalition is highlighting how state legislative priorities, including the deficit caused by the Georgia income tax package, affect resources for animal protection. This shift reflects a broader trend of advocacy groups leveraging data to challenge legislative fiscal decisions.
Voters can use the scorecards to evaluate their representative's past performance on animal welfare legislation. These resources are designed to help residents make informed decisions at the ballot box during the upcoming midterm election.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to research the specific stances of their local candidates before heading to the polls. Engaging directly with lawmaker scorecards provides a clear look at how representatives have handled animal protection issues in recent sessions.
Further reading
Learn more about animal advocacy in Georgia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cobb Courier.
Live Poll
Should your state government prioritize funding for animal welfare programs in the annual budget?
