Advocacy

Ohio Animal Advocates supports legislative efforts to protect all animals in Ohio and across the United States. Below are our areas of focus for policy and advocacy efforts. Select any topic to learn more about the issue and its importance.

  • A black and white husky dog with piercing brown eyes on a chain leash outdoors.

    Adequate Shelter

    We educate communities on the suffering and public safety concerns of tethering dogs outside and advocate for shelter and anti-tethering ordinances.

  • A white laboratory mouse with pink eyes resting on a white gloved hand.

    Animal Testing

    We support the search for humane alternatives to testing on animals and advocate for policies that make animal testing illegal worldwide.

  • Close-up of a brown dog with amber eyes and its tongue sticking out, wearing a collar, against a blue background.

    Breed Discrimination

    Breed discrimination demonizes a breed of dog irrespective of individual behavior, raises constitutional issues, and fails to increase public safety.

  • Inside a barn with cows eating hay from feeding troughs on either side.

    Climate Change

    Addressing the climate change impacts of animal agriculture requires a multi-faceted approach involving systemic change, advocacy, and personal choices.

  • A tabby cat lying on a stone ledge against a stone wall, resting with eyes half-closed.

    Community Cats

    We provide resources and build partnerships to humanely care for community cats while reducing populations and protecting local ecosystems.

  • Close-up image of a frog with detailed skin texture, sitting on moss and surrounded by blurred plant stems.

    Dissection Alternatives

    We promote the use of dissection alternatives and support choice laws that give students the right to opt out of animal dissection in schools.

  • Photo by Gonzalo Facello on Unsplash

    Equines

    We champion a higher standard of well-being for all equines. From horse racing to slaughter, equines deserve safety from these inhumane practices.

  • A tiger lying on a concrete surface in a zoo enclosure, with green plants behind a black wire fence.

    Exotic Animals

    Ohio has gone from bad actor to national model. We continue to educate and advocate for stronger regulations that protect exotic animals in our state.

  • A man sitting on the sidewalk with a dog on his lap. The man is wearing a black coat with a hood and the dog is wearing a red coat. There is a paper cup on the ground in front of them and a brick wall in the background.

    Housing or Financial Insecurity

    To support struggling families and their pets, we advocate for stronger protections and provide a resource list of programs and services.

  • A boy hugging a large, fluffy white dog in a cozy living room with a green couch and colorful pillows.

    Pet Protection

    We advocate for at-risk family members and safety planning for their pets because we recognize the link between family violence and animal abuse.

  • A small black and tan puppy with heterochromatic eyes, one blue and one brown, behind rusty metal cage bars.

    Puppy Mills

    We support legislation to protect dogs and puppies in mills, spread awareness about the plight of mill dogs, and encourage Ohioans to adopt a pet.

  • Close-up of a wild feline with golden fur and sharp eyes, possibly a bobcat or lynx.

    Wildlife Protection

    We promote coexistence with Ohio’s wildlife by advocating for protective policies at the state and local level and supporting conservation efforts.

Want to take action and get involved in advocacy? Check out our Action Alerts!

“Advocacy is empathy, compassion and community at work.”

— Janna Cachola

A tiny black kitten with blue eyes being gently held in a person's hand, appearing to yawn or meow.