Georgia Pet Coalition Released Legislative Scorecards
The group is providing voters with resources to evaluate candidate positions on animal welfare ahead of the midterms.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Pets — General
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The Georgia Pet Coalition has published new legislative scorecards to help voters assess state lawmakers. The initiative arrives as the state faces rising shelter dog fatalities.
Why it matters
Understanding how your representatives vote on animal welfare issues can inform your participation in the upcoming midterm elections. These scorecards provide a concrete look at how specific lawmakers have aligned with animal protection goals.
Public shelter dog deaths in Georgia reached over 20,000 between 2021 and 2025, an increase of nearly 10,000 deaths. The coalition supported six of nine passed animal welfare bills in 2026.
The players
Georgia Pet Coalition
A nonpartisan advocacy group that focuses on improving animal welfare outcomes through legislative education and voter engagement.
The details
The coalition compiles these scorecards by tracking how lawmakers vote on animal welfare legislation during sessions at the Capitol. Advocates also meet personally with state and local legislators to educate them on these issues. These efforts aim to clarify policy stances on concerns such as Georgia remaining the only state where cockfighting is not classified as a felony.
Timeline
2021-2025: Period during which public shelter dog deaths increased by nearly 10,000.
2025: Seven of 10 supported animal welfare bills were passed.
2026: Six of nine supported animal welfare bills were passed.
November 3, 2026: Date of the Georgia midterm election.
The Home Front
The push for animal welfare reform is unfolding against a backdrop of tight state finances, marked by a $1.3 billion deficit from a recent tax package. With $300 million in new spending vetoed by the governor, advocates are focusing on legislative priorities that do not rely on large budget allocations.
Check your local candidate lists and review the Georgia Pet Coalition scorecards to see how your current representatives voted. You may want to verify your voter registration status ahead of the November 3 midterm election to ensure your voice is heard.
The takeaway
Legislative scorecards serve as a primary tool for households to evaluate candidates based on their track record of animal protection. You can use these resources to prepare for upcoming elections by identifying which candidates have prioritized animal welfare in the statehouse.
Further reading
For more information on state animal regulations, visit the Pets — General section.
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?
