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New York City Votes to End Horse-Drawn Carriages After Decades of Animal Welfare Advocacy
After more than two decades of advocacy, New York City has taken a historic step toward ending its horse-drawn carriage industry, marking a significant milestone for animal welfare and public safety. On October 22, 2026, the New York City Council voted 40–7 to phase out horse-drawn carriage operations by June 2028.
Be Ready for Anything: Pet Emergency Preparedness
You may not think a natural disaster will happen to you, but you can never be too prepared in case the unthinkable happens. Ohio sees its fair share of emergencies, from tornadoes and flash flooding to severe winter storms, house fires, and chemical spills, and any of them can force you and your pets with little warning.
Meet the Board: Matthew Pryor's Passion for Policy, Pets, and Protecting Animals
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Matthew Pryor, animal welfare is a mix of heart and law. A lifelong animal lover, Matthew is a civil litigation attorney who joined the Board to put his love of reading and understanding the law to work for animals, both by helping Ohioans understand the laws that affect them and by advocating for better ones.
United Spay Alliance Featured in American Public Health Association Newsletter for Rabies Prevention Efforts
Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) is proud to celebrate the national recognition of our partner organization, United Spay Alliance (USA), whose rabies prevention efforts were recently featured in the American Public Health Association (APHA) One Health Fall 2026 Newsletter.
Ohio Animal Advocates Earns 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to announce that we have earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the highest level of recognition awarded through its nonprofit transparency program. This achievement reflects our commitment to accountability, transparency, and sharing the impact of our work to improve animal welfare across Ohio.
Your Voice for Ohio’s Animals: Legislative Updates and How to Help
After summer recess, Ohio’s legislative session is back, and there are two legislative bills that OAA has been monitoring closely as they have a good chance of passing the finish line and being signed by the Governor! While SB 393 passed the Ohio Senate unanimously this summer and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, there is still work to be done in the House before it becomes law.
Building a More Humane Future Through Education: Q&A with AWI’s Regina Terlau-Benford
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), a long-time partner of OAA, is a leader in creating and providing humane education resources to everyone and developing a more humane future for all. Since OAA focuses on the importance of humane education, we wanted to sit down with their Director of Humane Education, Regina Terlau-Benford.
Ohio Animal Advocates Publishes Position Statements on 12 Key Animal Welfare Issues
OAA is pleased to announce the publication of 12 official position statements addressing key animal welfare issues. These resources are now available to the public through the Media page on our website. Developed to clearly communicate where OAA stands on important issues affecting animals, these statements provide a foundation for informed advocacy, public education, and policy discussions.
Meet the Board: Reese Albright's Passion for Animal Welfare and Advocacy
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Reese Albright, animal welfare is about more than protecting animals. It's about building stronger communities, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, and working together to create lasting change. Based in Cleveland, Reese is an estate planning attorney who brings a unique perspective to animal advocacy.
Miami County Animal Boarding Facility Ordered to Close for Five Years Following Dog's Death
Miami County animal boarding facility has been ordered to close for at least five years after a dog was attacked and killed while in its care. According to a Sept 22 report from the Dayton Daily News, Destinee C. Javier, owner and operator of Back to Eden Animal Boarding in Monroe Township, pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty following an investigation by the Miami County Animal Shelter.
From the Exam Room to the Statehouse: Dr. G's Fight for Animals
From investigating animal cruelty cases to expanding access to veterinary care, Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez, or Dr. G, is dedicated to making a difference for animals across Ohio. As both a practicing veterinarian and a forensic veterinarian, Dr. G has witnessed firsthand the challenges animals face, from neglect and cruelty to limited access to affordable veterinary care.
Bird Flu Outbreak at Utah Mink Farm Raises Animal Welfare and Public Health Concerns
A bird flu outbreak at a Utah mink farm is raising concerns about animal welfare, disease prevention, and the potential risks to human health. According to a September 27 report from The Salt Lake Tribune, a mink farm in Salt Lake County is experiencing the first documented outbreak of bird flu in captive mink in the United States.
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— Nelson Mandela
