We’re grateful to the Ohio Animal Foundation for highlighting an issue that urgently needs public attention: Ohio Senate Bill 232, legislation that would strengthen oversight and improve conditions for dogs in commercial breeding facilities.

In a recent OAF article, our Executive Director and co-founder, Vicki Deisner, shared why S.B. 232 is a critical step forward for animal protection in Ohio.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio recently drew a hard line in United States v. Dryden—refusing to accept a plea agreement the Court believed did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the conduct and would improperly limit the judge’s ability to sentence appropriately.

BRUNSWICK, Maine, Feb. 2, 2026 — Sushi the lynx-point Siamese kitten was only four months old when she became pregnant last summer, living in the home of a cat breeder who was ultimately charged with animal cruelty in Riverton, Utah. Sushi, still a kitten herself, had a litter of seven babies when she was six months old, and six survived. Sushi was one of nearly 90 cats and kittens rescued from deplorable conditions. Nearly every female cat over four months of age was pregnant or had young kittens. Few people know that kittens can get pregnant and give birth when they themselves are still kittens.

When someone is facing eviction, domestic violence, hospitalization, or another crisis, one of the hardest fears is:

“What will happen to my pets?”

For many people, pets are not just animals — they are family. They are emotional anchors during already traumatic times. That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between temporary safe housing and surrender for adoption before signing any paperwork.

Love is in the air — and so are the howls.

Late winter marks mating season for coyotes, wolves, and foxes across North America. While Valentine’s Day often focuses on roses and chocolates, the natural world reminds us that devotion, partnership, and family bonds aren’t just human traditions — they’re beautifully wild.

This year, you can celebrate love in a way that also protects it.

Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) is proud to partner with Project Coyote to share a meaningful Valentine’s opportunity that supports compassionate coexistence with wildlife.

Ohio Animal Advocates is sharing an important new episode of From a Dog’s Eye View, hosted by Susan Coleman of Canine Concierge. In “Puppy Mills – Part 2,” advocates Stefanie Mowery and Zaron Van Meter break down what’s really happening inside Ohio’s high-volume breeding facilities — and what we can do about it.

This episode goes beyond awareness. It focuses on action.

If you’ve tried to schedule a low-cost spay or neuter appointment recently, you may have felt frustrated, even angry.

Appointments fill within hours. Phone messages don’t change for weeks. Websites don’t update as quickly as you’d hope. It can feel like clinics have disappeared.

But they haven’t.

The truth is both simpler, and more complicated, than it appears.

We spoke with OAA’s Board Member, Dr. Michelle “Dr. G” Gonzalez of the Rascal Unit to better understand what’s really happening behind the scenes.

We’re excited to share a major update in the world of humane education: the RedRover Readers On-Demand Online Course — previously $35 — is now completely FREE for everyone.

This self-paced, online workshop is designed to help educators, advocates, and caregivers foster empathy, compassion, and social-emotional learning in children through meaningful, animal-themed stories and discussion.

In Painesville, Ohio, Judge Michael Cicconetti has gained national attention for something rare in the legal system: sentences designed not just to punish animal abusers, but to change them.

A lifelong dog lover and municipal court judge in Painesville, Cicconetti believes that fines and short jail stays often fail to address the deeper issue behind animal cruelty. In his courtroom, consequences are crafted to confront offenders with the reality of what they inflicted on defenseless animals.

In an important advocacy win, with meaningful implications for people and animals across Ohio, Congress has passed a government funding bill that includes significant new investments in housing and homelessness programs. This reverses earlier proposals that would have cut critical support. This bipartisan legislation ends the brief government shutdown and provides $77.3 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Fiscal Year 2026, including protections for the Continuum of Care (CoC) program — the backbone of homeless services nationwide.

We’re excited to introduce Laura J. Martin, Esq., a new member of the Ohio Animal Advocates Board. With a background in animal law, advocacy, and lifelong experience working with animals, Martin brings a thoughtful, systems-focused perspective to OAA’s mission. In this Q&A, she shares what drew her to the board, the issues she’s most passionate about, and her hopes for the future of animal protection in Ohio.

New Hampshire has taken an important step toward stronger wildlife protection and accountability.

Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed House Bill 655 into law, increasing penalties for hunting and fishing violations across the state. The legislation reflects a growing recognition that wildlife laws are only meaningful when they are enforceable—and that repeat violations require serious consequences.