Ohio ranks among the states with the highest number of reported cases involving both animal cruelty and other forms of violence, according to a new analysis from the National Link Coalition. The August 2026 LINK-Letter from the National Link Coalition reviewed 1,066 U.S. news reports involving animal cruelty alongside crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, homicide and other offenses.

Animal Charity of Ohio has suspended its humane investigations and animal intakes, citing financial and capacity challenges that organization leaders say have made it impossible to continue the services for now. The organization had already suspended animal control services in June, but continued conducting humane investigations and accepting animals from abuse and neglect cases.

Animal Charity of Ohio has suspended its humane investigations and animal intakes, citing financial and capacity challenges that organization leaders say have made it impossible to continue the services for now. The organization had already suspended animal control services in June, but continued conducting humane investigations and accepting animals from abuse and neglect cases.

For people experiencing homelessness, entering a shelter or housing program can sometimes mean facing an impossible decision: accept services or stay with a beloved pet. A fellowship opportunity from My Dog Is My Home is helping organizations build a different model.

Earlier this month, Ohio Animal Advocates reported on changes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) affecting how the agency handles housing complaints involving emotional support animals (ESAs). While federal enforcement priorities have changed, the Fair Housing Act has not, and Ohio renters also have state-level protections.

This month, Ohio Animal Advocates is highlighting a book that is perfect to acknowledge Wellness Month which is observed every August. Wellness is important for all creatures, and author Temple Grandin delves into this and more in Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals. This book is written for high school/college readers and older as it deals with more complex and potentially heavy topics.

Ohio Animal Advocates recently submitted a letter of support for our partner, YWCA of Northwest Ohio, and its application for FY2026 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding. The YWCA of Northwest Ohio provides critical services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including outreach, safety support, emergency shelter, and assistance for survivors with pets.

Ohio’s dog-bite statute, R.C. 955.28(B), imposes strict liability on the “owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog” for any injury to a person or property caused by the dog. This means that owners, keepers, and harborers can be held responsible for injuries caused by a dog, regardless of whether they intended or could have foreseen the injury.

A federal judge has blocked another attempt by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to dramatically change how billions of dollars in federal homelessness funding are distributed.

A Columbus man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges involving dogfighting and methamphetamine distribution. Joel Brown admitted to keeping 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes in Franklin County. The investigation began in 2024 after a complaint to Columbus Humane prompted law enforcement to search a property where Brown was keeping dogs.

A longtime provider of affordable veterinary care in central Ohio has closed its doors. Shelter Outreach Services of Ohio (SOS Ohio), a nonprofit clinic serving rescue organizations and pet owners, announced its closure in late July. The organization cited a nationwide veterinarian shortage, rising operating costs, and increasing demand for affordable veterinary services as factors.

Earlier this year, Ohio Animal Advocates reported on changes at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) affecting how the agency handles housing complaints involving emotional support animals (ESAs). As advocates continue to examine the policy, one distinction is especially important: the Fair Housing Act has not changed.