Augusta, GA
Augusta animal shelter leads the state in killing dogs
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – New data shows Augusta has the highest animal euthanasia rates in the state.
A group wanted to come in and help change that, but Augusta Commission members turned down a plan from Best Friends Animal Society on Tuesday.
The group would have provided the animal services agency with a veterinarian.
Commissioners turned it down to its all-or-nothing policy.
The interim city administrator said there could be challenges and legal concerns when it came to who would be responsible for the animals.
“The main reason is that it was presented as all or nothing, which would require Augusta to participate in every one of the services they’re promoting, one of which is staff-embedded program, which simply means Best Friends would have representatives,” said Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse.
Best Friends issued a statement Wednesday saying its offer was valued at close to $1 million.
Best Friends said the offer was devised to provide a holistic path to a 90% save rate for the shelter, vs. the current 53%.
The group says there’s still a chance for the offer to be approved at next week’s Augusta Commission meeting.
“The Augusta Commission now has an incredible opportunity to save the lives of dogs and cats and bring much-needed resources to the community at no cost to Augusta taxpayers,” said Gina Burrows with Best Friends Animal Society. “We just need the full commission to vote in our favor next week so we can begin to bring this much-needed help to the people and animals of Augusta.”
She encouraged the community to speak up and reach out to Augusta Commission members.
Best Friends Animal Society has come to Augusta on two occasions — once in 2018 and again in March, lobbying for a meeting with the shelter.
Data published on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website shows Augusta euthanized more dogs in April than any other shelter in the state.
The data also shows Augusta Animal Services constantly ranks the highest in the state in euthanizations.
SEE THE DATA:
Now, local groups want commissioners to take a second look.
Last year, Augusta Animal Services euthanized almost 1,500 dogs, ranking the worst in the state.
One local rescue group says those numbers should serve as a wake-up call to a community problem.
“When we have a well-renowned group that has money and funding and people that can help, you know, it’s like, why do we want to be recognized as the worst in the nation or the state or wherever, you know, why do we want to keep down that path when we could get some things in place?” said Kathy Ellis with Hands to Paws Rescue.
Best Friends was looking to put things in order. Augusta Animal Services says they were a responsibility problem.
From May 1, 2023, to the start of the new year, Augusta Animal Services put down on average 134 dogs a month.
And those numbers haven’t dipped.
In March, there were 133, and 143 in April.
Augusta Animal Services Director James Hill said: “We’re not going to put out animals for adoption to have behavior issues. Um, so that’s why we have to euthanize.”
Those numbers, rescues say are a reflection of everyone.
Ellis said: “We could increase space at the shelter, but the problem is still there. And that’s getting people to understand, they need to spay and neuter. And to understand, you know, that there’s help out there.”
Augusta Animal Services is still out of a veterinarian.
“The fact that animal control doesn’t have a vet that can provide their needs, you know, on a staff basis, like they used to have before is huge. I mean, that’s going to impact, you know, thoroughly checking out animals when they come in to determine if they’re, you know, medically able to be adopted out into the public,” said Ellis.
Ellis says drawing vets to Augusta is becoming harder to do over the years.
One of Best Friend’s stipulations was that they would provide a veterinarian.
The denial of their services will go to a full vote next week.
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The Augusta-based manufacturer of one of the world’s leading brands of golf carts could split from parent company Textron by the end of 2027.
Textron has announced its intention to concentrate its aerospace and defense subsidiaries into a separate company called New Textron, including Textron Aviation, Textron Systems, and Bell, a brand that produces military-grade helicopters and tiltrotor aircraft. It also oversees general aviation brands Cessna and Beechcraft.
Textron Specialized Vehicles is part of the company’s Industrial segment, which expects more than $3 billion in 2026 revenue. TSV properties include E-Z-GO golf carts; PACE Technology, which manufactures global positioning systems customized for golf courses; Jacobsen, a producer of turf maintenance equipment; and TUG Technologies, which makes airport ground support equipment such as baggage tractors.
“This planned separation creates greater clarity and focus for both businesses,” Textron CEO Lisa M. Atherton said in a statement. “New Textron will move forward as a pure-play aerospace and defense company positioned for higher growth, while Industrial gains the independence to pursue strategies aligned with its distinct strengths — unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders.”
The company “intends to explore multiple paths to effect the planned separation of its Industrial segment, including but not limited to a sale of the Industrial businesses or a tax-free separation into a standalone, publicly traded company,” according to Textron.
Textron said in its April 30 first-quarter earnings call to stockholders that it estimates the complete corporate separation to occur within 12 to 18 months, implying Halloween 2027 at the latest.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Fort Gordon service members will soon have more opportunities to further their education thanks to a partnership between Augusta University and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon.
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Maj. Gen. Ryan M. Janovic will sign a new memorandum to continue their partnership at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the Shaffer MacCartney Building at the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University.
Augusta University first began its partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence back in 2016.
The new memorandum will provide additional opportunities for service members to receive degree credit for military training through Augusta University and AU Online.
The programs being updated under the new agreement include: Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Technology, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a Technical Intelligence Analysis Concentration and the PhD in Intelligence, Defense and Cybersecurity Policy.
“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence to create new educational opportunities for the men and women who serve our nation,” Keen said.
Janovic emphasized the magnitude of the relationship and the critical skillsets it supports.
“This partnership with Augusta University is a force multiplier for our formations. By translating our rigorous military training into academic credit, we bridge the gap between military instruction and higher education,” Janovic said.
“Through this partnership, we are preparing experienced military leaders to build on the skills they have already developed and continue serving in ways that advance our national security, strengthen Georgia’s workforce and create lasting impact for generations to come. Their commitment to service extends far beyond the battlefield. It continues in the communities they protect, the organizations they lead and the lives they influence every day,” said Keen.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta University volleyball has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring 30 regular-season matches and 10 home contests inside Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The reigning 2025 Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions open the season Aug. 28-29 at the Emmanuel Tournament in Franklin Springs, Ga., before returning home Sept. 4-5 to co-host the Augusta/USC Aiken Tournament. Augusta then travels to Clinton, Miss., for the annual Peach Belt Conference/Gulf South Conference Crossover before opening Peach Belt Conference play Sept. 17 against Middle Georgia at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Following an eight-match road swing through late September and October, the Jaguars return home for their final four regular-season contests, hosting Francis Marion, Flagler and rival USC Aiken. The 2026 Peach Belt Conference Tournament begins Nov. 12.
Tickets are available now. Don’t miss your chance to watch the reigning Peach Belt Conference regular-season champions in action at Christenberry Fieldhouse this fall.
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In conjunction with the schedule release, Augusta Athletics has also announced its promotional schedule for the 2026 home season.
2026 Promotional Schedule
Friday, Sept. 4 – vs. Lee (12:00 p.m.) & North Greenville (5:00 p.m.)
Parents Weekend
Join us as we welcome Jaguar families to campus for opening weekend.
Thursday, Sept. 17 – vs. Middle Georgia (6:00 p.m.)
Student Appreciation
Augusta University students are encouraged to pack Christenberry Fieldhouse for the conference home opener.
Saturday, Sept. 19 – vs. Georgia College (3:00 p.m.)
CSRA Club Volleyball Day
Local club volleyball teams are invited to attend and be recognized throughout the match.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 – vs. Lander (6:00 p.m.)
Coats & Scrubs Night
Medical students and healthcare professionals are invited to wear their scrubs and support the Jaguars.
Tuesday, Oct. 20 – vs. Francis Marion (6:00 p.m.)
Here to Win – Cancer Awareness Game
Augusta Athletics and the Georgia Cancer Center continue the “Here to Win” campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and support patients. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.
Friday, Oct. 23 – vs. Flagler (6:00 p.m.)
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night
A special night recognizing Augusta University’s faculty and staff.
Saturday, Oct. 24 – vs. Flagler (1:00 p.m.)
Halloween Game
Fans are encouraged to wear costumes while cheering on the Jaguars.
Friday, Nov. 6 – vs. USC Aiken (6:00 p.m.)
Greek Night
Augusta University’s fraternities and sororities are invited to attend and show their Jaguar pride.
Saturday, Nov. 7 – vs. USC Aiken (3:00 p.m.)
Senior Night
Help us recognize the Jaguars’ senior class before the final regular-season home match.
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