In a heartbreaking case that has shaken animal lovers and advocates across Ohio, a man in Summit County has been arrested after allegedly cutting off the tails of three newborn kittens. The suspect, 57-year-old Bret Stalnaker, is now facing a felony charge of animal cruelty.

The heartbreaking story of “Peanut the Squirrel,” an Instagram-famous rescue squirrel, is sparking change in New York state law. Known for his charming personality and social media stardom, Peanut captured the hearts of thousands—but his unexpected death in 2024 has now ignited a movement to better protect animals in similar situations.

In April, we examined why it’s important to plan ahead for our pets.  Pet Planning benefits pets, the people who love them, and our communities.  Existing estate planning laws do not adequately provide for pets, but we can take deliberate steps to provide for and protect our pets by adding pet-specific terms to estate planning documents.   

The estate planning tools we can use to plan, provide for, and protect our pets include powers of attorney, wills, traditional family trusts, and pet trusts.  Each of these planning options will be discussed in this article series, starting with powers of attorney

The Loyalty Inn, a hotel on the city’s Southeast Side, was abruptly shuttered after years of safety violations, crime concerns, and city scrutiny. For the group of homeless individuals who had been temporarily housed there with support from the Community Shelter Board, it was the second time in just a few months they were uprooted—first from encampments the city cleared in December, and now from the only shelter that allowed them to stay with their animals.

By now, many in the Gahanna, Ohio community have heard the heartbreaking news: several outdoor cats were poisoned last summer—and again in December—with necropsy results confirming the presence of both rat poison and antifreeze in at least one cat's system. But despite these findings, no charges have been filed.

For years, Steffen Baldwin was seen as a hero in the animal rescue world—a self-proclaimed “dog whisperer” who claimed to rehabilitate the unadoptable, the aggressive, and the misunderstood. He built a public persona based on compassion, gaining the trust of shelters, rescue groups, and dog lovers across the country. But behind the carefully curated image was a deeply disturbing truth: Baldwin was not saving dogs. He was killing them.

The city of Campbell, Ohio, is making it clear: illegal and unethical animal breeding will no longer be tolerated. In a powerful move during Wednesday’s regular council meeting, Council President George Levendis delivered a message to those engaging in improper breeding practices: “It’s going to stop.”

The benefits for our pets themselves are somewhat obvious. But Pet Planning also benefits people and communities and can save money in the long run. Pets are considered property under the law, similar to your furniture. As you can imagine, laws that control what happens to your furniture if you die or become unable to live in your home aren’t very good fits for pets!

SmileHub, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting donors with charities, conducted an extensive analysis of wildlife protection across all 50 states. The study assessed 17 key metrics, including the number of animal and environmental protection agencies per capita, the strength of wildlife protection laws, and the presence of wildlife-focused charities. Each state was given a score on a 100-point scale, with higher numbers indicating stronger wildlife protections.

Pet Planning is estate planning for animals and the people who love them.  It involves planning and preparing in advance to meet the needs of both pets and pet people.  Pet Planning can be used to protect and provide for your animals if you die or become permanently unable to care for them.  It can also help you protect your pet and your own relationship with your pet if you become incapacitated or need assistance as you age.

The human-animal bond is growing more and more to the forefront of animal welfare and social services. Pets are often considered family and a crucial part of many individuals’ lives. Yet in instances of domestic violence or homelessness, pet owners struggle to find housing and services. Oftentimes faced with leaving their pets behind in order to protect and care for themselves. 

In a thought-provoking new podcast episode, Dr. G sits down with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor to unpack the recent OH Supreme Court decision. This conversation not only sheds light on the legal intricacies of the ruling but also highlights the important role played by Ohio Animal Advocates. Whether you're a legal professional, an animal rights enthusiast, or simply curious about current events, this episode offers insights that are both timely and impactful.