When Ohio lawmakers passed Avery's Law earlier this year, the legislation was widely praised for strengthening dangerous dog laws and increasing penalties when serious attacks occur. The bill was inspired by the tragic 2024 attack on 12-year-old Avery Russell, who suffered life-altering injuries after being attacked by two dogs during a playdate.

Animal lovers across Ohio have a chance to show off their favorite pets while supporting programs that help animals throughout the state. Ohio Animal Foundation has launched its 2026 Celebrating Life with Animals Photo Contest annual fundraiser that combines adorable pet photos with meaningful support for animal welfare initiatives. The contest is open now, with voting through July 31, 2026.

A Dayton-area dog trainer previously convicted on dozens of animal cruelty and fraud-related charges has been sentenced to 15 to 19 years in prison after violating the terms of his probation. Jason Jones, owner of Dayton Dog Trainer LLC, was sentenced on June 9, 2026 after widespread attention across Ohio due to the large number of victims and the serious allegations involving companion animals.

On May 11, 2026, Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa signed House File 2348 into law, raising torture of a companion animal to a Class D Felony on the first offense. Iowa is the 50th state to make this happen, following Mississippi who raised animal torture to an automatic felony in 2020.  

Progress is being made in Ohio towards addressing bestiality, a violent and exploitative form of animal abuse that often results in death. Ohio Senate Bill 393, introduced in the 136th General Assembly, strengthens penalties for sexually oriented offenses involving juveniles and animals. The bill aims to modernize state laws to match federal standards and address emerging digital crimes.

Ohio Animal Advocates is fortunate to have dedicated supporters who contribute not only their expertise, but also their time, passion, and generosity. One of those supporters is Deb Molinaro, OAA's Chief Financial Officer. Since joining the organization in early 2024, Deb has helped guide OAA's financial operations while also supporting the organization's mission through personal donations and volunteer service. We recently sat down with Deb to learn more about her missionary work in Peru, her commitment to animal advocacy, and the beloved dog who inspired her passion for helping animals.

When a beloved animal becomes sick or injured, most people expect veterinary decisions to be guided by medical expertise, compassion, and the best interests of the patient. But what happens when financial investors increasingly shape the veterinary industry? That is the central question explored in Pets for Profit: An Insider's Account of How Private Equity Ruined Veterinary Care

A recent policy shift from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created confusion and concern for many people who rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) as part of their disability accommodations.

While HUD has announced changes to how it handles certain ESA-related complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is important to understand that state and local protections for people with disabilities and emotional support animals may still remain fully intact.

Vaccines have become one of the most emotionally charged public health conversations of the past decade. What was once primarily a debate surrounding human medicine has now spilled into the world of companion animals and according to recent research, the consequences could be devastating for both dogs and people.

In a recent article titled “Vaccine Hesitancy Now Affects Dogs, Putting Humans at Risk,” psychologist and canine researcher Stanley Coren explores the growing number of pet owners choosing not to vaccinate their dogs. The article cites studies showing that approximately 22 percent of dog owners in the United States are now considered vaccine hesitant.

From community cats to equines, wildlife protection to anti-cruelty advocacy, Ohio Animal Advocates works every day to create a more humane future for animals across our state. During OAA Giving Week, May 25th to May 29th, supporters have the opportunity to directly fuel that work and make an even bigger impact for Ohio’s animals.

That means every donation goes even further to support advocacy, education, collaboration, and lifesaving programs throughout Ohio.

As conversations around climate change continue to grow, many people are reevaluating the impact of their daily choices, from transportation to fashion to the food they eat. Increasingly, that conversation also includes what we feed our companion animals.

A recent article published by Ohio Animal Foundation, explored the rise of sustainable pet food options, highlighting alternatives like insect-based proteins, responsibly sourced fish, regional ingredients, and upcycled food products. The article sparked an important conversation about how the products we purchase for our pets can also impact the environment, agriculture systems, and animal welfare on a larger scale.

For years, a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) felt like a death sentence for cat caregivers and veterinarians alike. Shelters, rescues, foster homes, and cat owners across the country experienced the heartbreak of losing kittens and cats to a disease that once had no effective treatment. Today, that reality is changing.

In a recent episode of the Community Cats Central, renowned pet journalist and feline advocate Steve Dale shared a message that brought veterinarians around the world to tears:

“I’m announcing that FIP is no longer considered fatal.”