LAWRENCEVILLE  — Gwinnett County Solicitor-General Lisamarie N. Bristol and her team donated boxes of pet supplies Wednesday to Ahimsa House, a Georgia nonprofit that helps domestic violence survivors escape abuse with their pets.

The donation drive, called “Dog Days of Summer,” was organized by Bristol’s office and collected crates, food, leashes, litter and other essentials. The drive supports Ahimsa House’s mission to provide safe shelter, veterinary care and transportation for animals impacted by domestic violence.

“One of the visions I had in taking office was to really find a way to incorporate my office into the community we serve,” Bristol said. “We’re a victim-centered office, and that means approaching prosecution in a way that not only holds people accountable but helps restore them.”

Bristol said her office chose Ahimsa House because of its unique work and critical impact.

“Nearly 80% of people remain in unsafe situations because of their pets,” she said. “That’s alarming. For many people, their animals are family — and knowing there’s an organization helping them safely escape is powerful.”

The drive was also inspired by the passage of House Bill 177, which now allows survivors in Georgia to include pets in protective orders. Bristol said the law is expected to increase demand for support services.

“We support Ahimsa House financially, but we also wanted to do something more hands-on,” she said. “This was one way to meet that growing need.”

The drive received an overwhelmingly positive response, with more than eight donation boxes filled through courthouse drop-offs and local partnerships.

Bristol said the initiative is likely to return next year and emphasized her office’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors holistically.

“When your family — including your pets — is safe, you feel more safe,” she said. “That’s what this work is about.”

Thank you to Solicitor-General Bristol and her team for leading with compassion and showing that justice and care can go hand-in-hand.