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.

Concerns about conditions at the Lake County Dog Shelter are drawing increased attention after an HVAC failure during extreme summer heat forced officials to relocate most of the shelter’s dogs. During a July heat wave, temperatures inside the shelter reportedly reached 94.5 degrees.

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.

The votes are in, and we have a winner! Bo, beloved companion of Ohio Animal Advocates’ Executive Director, Vicki Deisner, took the top spot in Ohio Animal Foundation’s 2026 Summer Pet Photo Contest. Ohio Animal Foundation is a partner organization of Ohio Animal Advocates.

A recent investigation by The New York Times has raised concerns that some federally protected wild horses may be entering the slaughter pipeline after being sold by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Times, which investigated government records, livestock inspection records and individual horse sales to trace what happens to some mustangs after they leave federal custody.

A Loudonville commercial dog breeding operation with a history of animal welfare violations is under investigation after authorities removed 72 dogs and puppies from the property. The Humane Society of Ashland County assisted in removing approximately 50 adult dogs and 22 puppies from Happy Mountain K9 Facility on August 27.

As animal shelters face capacity challenges, rising intake, and preventing unplanned litters is an important part of reducing pressure on shelters and keeping pets with their families. In this webinar from United Spay Alliance and Community Cats Central, Pet Friendly Services of Indiana shared lessons from 50 years of experience building and managing a statewide spay/neuter assistance program.

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.

Humans may not be the only primates drawn to caring for animals of another species. A new study highlighted by The New York Times examined 427 interactions across 88 primate species, finding behaviors that resemble some of the building blocks of human pet-keeping. Monkeys and apes were observed playing with, grooming, carrying, and even caring for animals of other species.