In April of 2021, Ohio House Bill 33 went into effect, aiming to protect animals and humans from situations of abuse and neglect.
The bill mandates social workers, counselors, and veterinarians to report animal abuse cases and requires dog wardens and animal control officers to report child abuse. About one year after the bill went into effect, local shelters saw the impact. “We’re seeing more of those particular calls,” said Greg Willey, executive director at Friendship APL in Lorain County. “We’re really proud of our adult protective services and child protective services who are taking advantage and reaching out to us in these cases.
