#PetOwners | AM 1180 Radio

July 3, 2026

Walker County Explains New Spay And Neuter Law And Exemptions

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Walker County officials are clarifying the county’s new spay and neuter ordinance and explaining which pet owners may qualify for exemptions.

The ordinance requires most dogs and cats six months of age or older to be spayed or neutered unless the animal qualifies for an exemption or the owner purchases an annual unaltered animal license. County leaders say the goal is to reduce pet overpopulation and ease pressure on the Walker County Animal Shelter.

Exemptions include animals owned by licensed commercial breeders or pet dealers, animals with a veterinarian-certified medical exemption, and working animals used for farming, herding, hunting, service work, law enforcement, or show purposes. Owners must have proper documentation.

Pet owners who do not qualify for an exemption may purchase an annual license through the Walker County Animal Shelter. The fee is $100 per year for dogs and $50 per year for cats, with proceeds going toward the county’s spay and neuter voucher program.

County officials say the ordinance will be reviewed later this year to evaluate how well it is working.

June 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Animal Advocates Remind Pet Owners To Prepare Ahead Of July Fourth Fireworks

Local News, Local News Items #AnimalAdvocatesOfChattoogaCounty, #AnimalRescue, #CatSafety, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyGA, #CommunityReminder, #DogSafety, #FireworksSafety, #FoundPets, #FourthOfJuly, #GeorgiaPets, #HolidaySafety, #JulyFourth, #KeepPetsSafe, #LocalNews, #LocalPets, #LostPets, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #MicrochipYourPet, #northwestgeorgia, #PetAnxiety, #PetID, #PetOwners, #PetSafety, #PublicSafety, #ShelterPets, #summervillega, #trionga, #VeterinaryCare, #wzqznews 0

With July Fourth fireworks just around the corner, Animal Advocates of Chattooga County is reminding pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats have proper identification before the holiday.

Each year, shelters and rescues see an increase in lost pets following fireworks displays, as loud noises can cause animals to panic, run away or escape from yards and homes.

Pet owners are encouraged to make sure their animals are microchipped and that all contact information is current. Collars and ID tags should also be secure, readable and up to date. For pets without an ID tag, advocates say even a simple collar with a phone number written on it can help reunite a lost pet with its owner.

Owners of pets that become especially anxious during fireworks should also consider talking with their veterinarian about calming options before the holiday arrives.

Animal Advocates of Chattooga County says the time to prepare is now, before fireworks begin, to help make sure pets stay safe and make it home.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Low-Cost Spay And Neuter Assistance Available For Chattooga County Pet Owners

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Animal Advocates of Chattooga County has announced a new partnership with My Kids Have Paws Veterinary Clinic to help local pet owners offset the cost of spay and neuter procedures for their dogs and cats.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

FDA Authorizes Emergency Treatment for Flesh-Eating Screwworm in Pets

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for nitenpyram, a medication used to treat New World screwworm infestations in dogs and cats. The action marks the first approval of a generic animal drug specifically authorized for use against the flesh-eating parasite.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Heat Safety Important for Pets and Livestock Across Northwest Georgia

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With temperatures climbing into the 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, animal owners are being reminded to take extra precautions to protect pets and livestock from dangerous heat-related illnesses.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Enacts New Spay And Neuter Ordinance

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Walker County pet owners are now required to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered under a newly approved county ordinance.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Georgia and Alabama

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Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.

May 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Receives Statewide Award For Animal Welfare Program

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Walker County has received a 2026 Georgia County Excellence Award from ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, for innovation in county government.

The county was recognized for its spay and neuter voucher initiative, a program designed to reduce unwanted litters and improve animal welfare across Walker County.

The program provides up to 40 free vouchers each month for companion animals. Each voucher is valued at $200 and covers spay or neuter services, microchipping, and a rabies vaccination.

During the first eight months, Walker County Animal Shelter staff issued about 190 vouchers, resulting in 61 female cats, 36 male cats, 44 female dogs, and 49 male dogs being altered.

County officials say the program is already making an impact. Compared to 2024, the shelter saw a 64% decrease in owner surrenders during September, October, and November. Surrenders of kitten and puppy litters dropped by nearly 80% during that same period.

The program is funded entirely through donations, and more than 500 people are currently on the waiting list for a voucher.

Walker County was one of six counties recognized statewide for programs that improve their communities.

April 10, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Red Cross Highlights Free Pet First Aid Resources During Awareness Month

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April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of free tools that can help them respond quickly when a dog or cat faces an emergency.

April 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Dog Bite Incident Reported On Seventh Street In Summerville, Owner Cited

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A dog bite incident reported in Summerville on March 26, 2026, led to a citation for the animal’s owner, identified as Mildred Crusoe, according to a Summerville Police Department incident report.

Police said the incident happened around 4:39 p.m. in the area of Seventh Street at Fairground Road, with the report listing the address as 166 Seventh Street in Summerville.

According to the officer’s narrative, a man told police he was riding his bike on the opposite side of Seventh Street when a large black dog ran after him and bit his right ankle. The officer reported seeing a tear in the man’s pants leg near the ankle, though the victim said the dog did not break the skin.

The victim told police he wanted to press charges. The responding officer also noted there had been prior issues involving a dog at that address and said a report would be filed along with a citation for the owner. The report states Crusoe was later issued a citation in connection with the incident.

Officials remind residents to ensure pets are properly restrained, tagged, and under control to prevent injuries and avoid citations.