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.

Project Coyote recently welcomed Ann Piquette as their new Development Operations Coordinator, and her story is a powerful reminder of why empathy remains at the heart of effective animal advocacy.

Long before Ann stepped into professional advocacy work, compassion shaped the way she understood the world. She grew up in a home where animals in need were never turned away. Injured strays, neglected pets, and displaced wildlife all found care—not because her family had formal training, but because responding to suffering felt nonnegotiable. Dogs and cats often became permanent family members, while wild animals were stabilized and returned to their natural environments, sometimes with support from wildlife rehabilitation professionals.

In January 2016, a small group of veterinary leaders gathered around a shared concern — and a shared responsibility to the profession, their patients, and the public.

The question before them was straightforward, but its implications were anything but: When should kittens be spayed or neutered to best protect their health while preventing unintended litters?

Over the past decade, Ohio has witnessed a remarkable comeback of one of the nation’s most iconic species: the bald eagle. New data tracking verified active bald eagle nests from 2012 to 2025 shows steady, widespread growth across nearly the entire state—an encouraging sign that long-term conservation efforts are working.

Extreme winter weather can put lives at risk and for people with pets, accessing warmth and safety isn’t always simple. Recognizing this challenge, the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is stepping in to help.

During periods of dangerously cold weather, the shelter is providing free, short-term emergency boarding for dogs belonging to Franklin County residents who are entering local warming centers. This service ensures that people can seek shelter without worrying about the safety of their pets.

As spring approaches in Ohio, wildlife activity naturally increases. Animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and groundhogs begin searching for safe, sheltered places to nest—sometimes inside attics, decks, garages, or sheds.

That’s why Ohio Animal Advocates is pleased to highlight TLC Wildlife Management, Central Ohio’s only wildlife service provider offering exclusively non-lethal solutions for wildlife conflicts.

Cold weather doesn’t mean Trap-Neuter-Return has to stop. With the right preparation, winter can be a safe and effective time to continue helping community cats—often with fewer complications than during warmer months.

If you’re planning TNR during winter, a few thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference for the cats’ comfort and safety.

Nearly half of U.S. households have a dog—but many families don’t realize their puppy may have come from a commercial dog breeding operation known as a puppy mill.

Ohio Animal Advocates values your voice. Your feedback helps us strengthen our advocacy, improve transparency, and better serve animals across Ohio. We’ve launched our 2025 Constituent Feedback Survey to learn what’s working, what can improve, and which animal protection issues matter most to you.

A Bucyrus man has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty, underscoring both the seriousness of neglect cases and the importance of enforcement when animals are harmed.

Brigitte Bardot made one of the most consequential exits in modern celebrity history. At the height of her fame, she walked away from the spotlight entirely—not to reinvent herself, but to devote her life to animals.

The animal welfare community lost a true pioneer with the passing of Dr. W. Marvin Mackie, D.V.M., who died peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the age of 87. A veterinarian, teacher, innovator, and tireless advocate, Dr. Mackie’s work transformed the way spay/neuter services are delivered—and in doing so, saved the lives of countless animals.