Viewed as a nuisance species, coyote hunting and trapping is legal year round in Ohio. Oftentimes hunting is legalized and allowed under the concept of population control. Primarily this takes place through weekend long wildlife killing contests (WKC), where hundreds of coyotes are inhumanely killed for cash prizes. 

A heartbreaking case of animal cruelty in Akron, Ohio—Hazle, a beloved emotional support cat, was found frozen inside a pet carrier on Summit Lake. Authorities are investigating, and the community is seeking justice. Learn more about her story and how you can help.

As we witness the ongoing devastation caused by the California fires, our hearts are with those directly impacted and all who are feeling the weight of these events. Natural disasters and emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere. If and when these events occur, your animals will depend on you to keep them safe. The best way to do this is by being prepared. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of both you and your animals during an emergency.

ATHENS, Ohio – Scott McCall, 54, of Nelsonville, Ohio was arrested on December 21, 2024, for a superseding indictment charging Cruelty to Companion Animals, a felony of the fifth degree and Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the third degree. McCall is accused of shooting a dog with a pellet gun, ultimately causing the death of the animal.  McCall is further accused of tying items to the animal and discarding of its remains in a pond in an attempt to conceal the death of the animal.

Ohio wildlife enthusiasts, start 2025 off right by joining us at the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Division of Wildlife, District One Office, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH. This gathering offers a chance to stay informed about wildlife updates, enforcement efforts, and plans for the upcoming year.

As we welcome the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the difference we’ve made for animals and the opportunities ahead to create an even brighter future for them. At Ohio Animal Advocates, we’re filled with gratitude for your support and the compassion you’ve shown throughout the past year. Together, we’ve worked to ensure animals across Ohio receive the love, care, and protection they deserve.

The holiday season is a time of giving, love, and togetherness—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the joy that animals bring to our lives and how we can give back to them. OAA invites you to join us in making a difference for animals across Ohio this holiday season.

After decades of advocacy and a hard-fought legal battle, 23 chimpanzees owned by the U.S. government will finally retire to the lush sanctuary of Chimp Haven. These chimpanzees, who endured years of painful biomedical experiments, will now experience the freedom and care they deserve.

Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to highlight an incredible milestone for The Cocoon—a new outdoor Dog Run that enhances their emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This vital addition reflects The Cocoon’s dedication to providing trauma-informed, safe spaces where survivors can begin their healing journey without being separated from their beloved companion animals.

Every year, thousands of animals—including dogs and monkeys—are used in research laboratories. In 2024 alone, countless animals endured lives of confinement and experiments, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ohio Animal Advocates stands alongside other leading agencies, including the National Anti-Vivisection Society and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in our fundamental belief that the future of science is humane. By promoting innovative alternatives to animal testing, we are paving the way for research methods that are not only more ethical but also more effective.

Your support means everything. You’ve given a voice to the voiceless and made strides toward a better world for animals and humans alike. From all of us at OAA, thank you for making this year’s Giving Tuesday such a success. We wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

Allegheny woodrats are a unique species with specialized needs, and protecting them requires ongoing conservation efforts, habitat protection, and public education. By taking these actions, you can help protect Allegheny woodrats and contribute to their long-term survival.