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.

A devastating tragedy in Pennsylvania this September underscores a heartbreaking truth: domestic violence often endangers not only people but also the animals they love.

According to New York Times, five police officers were ambushed while responding to a domestic violence call in York County. Three officers—Sergeant Detective Cody Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Baker—were killed when the gunman, who had been stalking his ex-girlfriend, opened fire. Investigators later discovered that he had killed her dog before the shooting.

After years of advocacy, the nation is making progress toward reducing and eventually replacing animal testing in research labs — and Ohio Animal Advocates’ Executive Director, Vicki Deisner, was featured in a recent Spectrum News interview discussing this important federal development.

Sunscreen is more than a summer essential—it’s a vital tool for preventing skin cancer. Because so many people use sunscreen daily throughout their lives, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is committed to ensuring that these products are both safe and effective.

Across central Ohio, many families are struggling to make ends meet. According to the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households live below the ALICE threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)—meaning they’re working hard but still unable to cover basic needs like housing, childcare, and food.

Earlier this year, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced an initiative to reduce animal testing and invest in “human-based technologies” such as organ-on-a-chip systems, AI tools, and clinical data modeling. The move was celebrated as a major step toward more humane, human-relevant science.