A rare and exciting wildlife moment was captured on a trail camera at Prairie Oaks Metro Park: a bobcat trotting down a trail before slipping back into the brush. Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks shared the video publicly and noted the sighting happened in the early morning hours of Nov. 21.

A recent animal cruelty investigation in Preble County, Ohio has led to the seizure of 51 animals living in severe neglect and unsafe conditions, a heartbreaking reminder of why strong animal protection laws and enforcement matter.

For more than 50 years, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been one of our nation’s most powerful and effective environmental laws. It was created with a clear purpose: to protect wildlife on the brink of extinction — and it has succeeded, saving or helping recover 99% of species listed under the Act.

The Ohio Pet Fund provided Rascal Charities with an educational grant to offer teaching opportunities to veterinary students to improve their skills, confidence and experience while helping the community and animals. We are mentoring the veterinarians of tomorrow while helping the animals of today.

This year, OAA has increased our training efforts – from workshops on the link between animal and human violence, to community cat summits, and the Cleveland State University Animal Law Conference. Thanks to the support of the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust, the Joanie Bernard Foundation, and United Spay Alliance, OAA, in partnership with Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats and Give Them Ten, was able to continue our annual in-person community cat summits in Cincinnati and Cleveland and expand our reach into communities in need.

What if you could help Ohio’s animals every time you buy groceries, without spending a single extra dollar? Good news: you can!

Through the Kroger Community Rewards® program, your everyday shopping automatically generates donations to Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) at no cost to you. That means more support for our mission to educate, advocate, and empower communities to protect animals across the Ohio , all by doing what you already do.

As winter settles in across Ohio, it’s more important than ever to ensure our community cats have warm, safe places to survive the cold months. Outdoor cats face harsh winds, freezing temperatures, and snow, making reliable shelter, food, and water essential. This updated winter guide features expert insights from Riggi Rescue, generously shared by Chris Riggi, founder of Riggi Rescue and a valued member of the OAA Board of Directors.

A disturbing case of animal cruelty in Marion County has led to the arrest of a local resident and the seizure of multiple animals from a home on Universal Avenue. The incident underscores the importance of strong cruelty laws, swift reporting, and coordinated law enforcement response when an animal is in danger.

A disturbing animal cruelty case in Bucyrus, Ohio, reached its conclusion this week when 23-year-old Patrick Grasley was sentenced to nearly five years in prison following the discovery of two severely decomposed dogs in his garage. The case, which drew strong reactions across Crawford County, highlights both the urgent need for early reporting and the importance of strong enforcement of Ohio’s animal cruelty laws.

Ohio Animal Advocates is thrilled to welcome Lilah Foley to our Board of Directors. A longtime supporter of animal welfare and a former OAA intern, Lilah brings her policy expertise, deep community roots, and lifelong passion for helping animals to our leadership team.

A disturbing discovery in Salem Township, Ohio has left the community shocked and heartbroken. According to a report by 21 WFMJ, multiple deceased horses were found at Pure Gold Stables in Columbiana County, prompting an active investigation by the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbiana County Humane Society.

Nevada has taken a major step forward for pet-inclusive housing. On May 31, 2025, Governor Joe Lombardo signed Senate Bill 166 (SB 166) into law—expanding protections for renters and families with pets across the state.