Starting in 2026, taxpayers who use the standard deduction can claim an income tax deduction for gifts to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.  You no longer need to be part of the 10% of taxpayers who itemize income tax deductions to take advantage of your charitable gifts on your income tax returns.  If you are one of the roughly 90% of taxpayers who use the standard deduction, you can claim an additional “above-the-line” deduction for your charitable contributions.  All taxpayers can lower their income tax bill by supporting their favorite charities.

A recent house fire in Gustavus Township, Ohio brought emergency responders to the scene, but what was discovered inside highlighted something bigger than the fire itself.

Multiple animals were found on the property, including dogs, horses, and birds. While some animals did not survive, others were rescued and are now receiving care. As more details emerge, this case is expected to lead to further investigation and potential charges.

There’s a moment that happens for many people who care about animals. It’s the point where awareness shifts into something deeper—a realization that suffering isn’t distant or rare, but ongoing and often hidden within systems we don’t regularly question. A recent conversation on the Species Unite Podcast, featuring animal advocate Rose Patterson from Animal Rising, brings this tension into focus and invites a broader reflection on what it really means to take action.

A recent report from the Arizona Humane Society highlights a troubling trend: a significant increase in parvo cases, a deadly but preventable disease. This rise isn’t just a local issue. It reflects a broader shift that animal welfare professionals across the country are beginning to see.

In Episode 8 of Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin from the Animal Welfare Junction Podcast, listeners are confronted with a deeply troubling, but critically important, reality: Animal cruelty is often not an isolated act. It’s part of a larger pattern of interpersonal violence.

Hosted by Dr. Michelle Gonzalez (Dr. G), board member of Ohio Animal Advocates, this episode explores how Steffen Baldwin used dogs as tools of manipulation and control over vulnerable individuals. And sadly, this case is not unique.

Ohio has long faced scrutiny for its commercial dog breeding industry. According to recent reporting, the state ranks second in the nation for violations at dog breeding facilities, a statistic that continues to raise serious concerns among animal welfare advocates.

In response, State Senator Casey Weinstein has introduced Senate Bill 232, a proposal aimed at strengthening oversight, improving animal care standards, and closing gaps in current law.

A newly filed lawsuit by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and trust in animal welfare organizations.

The case alleges that a nonprofit operating under the name Dogs to the Rescue misused charitable donations—diverting funds intended to help animals into a for-profit puppy-selling business.

During a recent winter cold snap in Ohio, a man was cited for feeding stray cats. His intention was simple: keep them alive.

But the situation highlights a larger issue—one that communities across the country continue to grapple with: What happens when compassion collides with outdated or ineffective policies?

Recently, State Senator Casey Weinstein, sponsor of Senate Bill 232, visited the Humane Society of Summit County to discuss the need for stronger oversight of puppy mills. The event brought together animal welfare advocates, including leaders from grassroots organizations working to improve conditions for dogs across Ohio. But the next phase of this effort will depend on public testimony.

Each year, National Pet Vaccination Month serves as a reminder that one of the most powerful tools we have to protect animals is also one of the simplest: prevention.

Vaccines help protect pets from serious and often deadly diseases that still circulate in communities across the United States. By keeping pets up to date on their vaccinations, pet guardians can help safeguard not only their own animals, but also the broader pet population.

Across the United States, thousands of dogs are still suffering in federally licensed commercial breeding facilities, commonly known as puppy mills. Despite being regulated under the Animal Welfare Act, many of these facilities continue to operate with repeated violations, inadequate oversight, and little accountability.

Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349) is a critical piece of federal legislation designed to change that.

Earlier this month, Ohio Animal Advocates published an article exploring why low-cost spay and neuter appointments are so difficult to find. As Dr. Michelle “Dr. G” Gonzalez of the Rascal Unit explained, the problem isn’t a lack of effort by clinics. It’s that demand far exceeds the number of clinics, veterinarians, and technicians available to perform these surgeries safely.

The scale of the challenge means no single solution will fix it.

But organizations across Ohio are working on pieces of the puzzle.

To continue the conversation, we spoke with representatives from the Ohio Pet Fund, a statewide program focused on expanding access to spay and neuter services.