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Meet the Board: Reese Albright's Passion for Animal Welfare and Advocacy
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Reese Albright, animal welfare is about more than protecting animals. It's about building stronger communities, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, and working together to create lasting change. Based in Cleveland, Reese is an estate planning attorney who brings a unique perspective to animal advocacy.
How Can We Learn to Coexist with Coyotes?
Coyotes get a bad rap. According to Project Coyote, wild carnivores are some of the most persecuted species in the United States. These animals, which play an integral role in natural ecosystems, try their best to avoid humans. Yet, they can be lured into urban environments by unintentional feeding and increased urban and rural expansion into wildlife habitats.
Ohio Animal Foundation's Tackle Pet Hunger Campaign Helps Keep Pets and Families Together
For many families across central Ohio, rising living expenses and financial hardship can make it difficult to afford everyday necessities, including food for their pets. According to a report from the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households fall below the ALICE threshold, which includes families living in poverty and working households struggling to make ends meet.
Virginia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Torturing Cats in Online Donation Scheme
A Virginia man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to animal cruelty and computer fraud charges involving the torture of cats to solicit donations through social media. According to Courthouse News Service, Rodney Travis Jr., 27, intentionally injured cats and falsely portrayed them as suffering from serious illnesses, including cancer, on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Miami County Animal Boarding Facility Ordered to Close for Five Years Following Dog's Death
Miami County animal boarding facility has been ordered to close for at least five years after a dog was attacked and killed while in its care. According to a Sept 22 report from the Dayton Daily News, Destinee C. Javier, owner and operator of Back to Eden Animal Boarding in Monroe Township, pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty following an investigation by the Miami County Animal Shelter.
OAA Book of the Month - Denali’s New Life
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and OAA knows domestic violence affects animals too. This month’s book, Denali’s New Life, written by Karey Burek, PhD, and the Animal Welfare Institute, highlights a book that follows the true story of a dog named Denali, a dog that was severely impacted by domestic violence but found a new lease on life.
Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Delaware, Ohio
The Delaware Public Health District confirmed a bat in the City of Delaware, Ohio, tested positive for rabies, prompting a reminder for residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and wildlife. The virus is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal.
Bird Flu Outbreak at Utah Mink Farm Raises Animal Welfare and Public Health Concerns
A bird flu outbreak at a Utah mink farm is raising concerns about animal welfare, disease prevention, and the potential risks to human health. According to a September 27 report from The Salt Lake Tribune, a mink farm in Salt Lake County is experiencing the first documented outbreak of bird flu in captive mink in the United States.
Family Dog Travels 2,300 Miles, then Separated from Owners Following Immigration Detention
After traveling 2,300 miles with his family from Venezuela to the United States, a beloved dog named Simba is facing another heartbreaking separation. In 2022, Yurimar, her husband, their three children, and Simba traveled through Colombia, Central America, and Mexico, including the dangerous Darién Gap, seeking political asylum in the U.S. Determined to keep their dog with them.
From the Exam Room to the Statehouse: Dr. G's Fight for Animals
From investigating animal cruelty cases to expanding access to veterinary care, Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez, or Dr. G, is dedicated to making a difference for animals across Ohio. As both a practicing veterinarian and a forensic veterinarian, Dr. G has witnessed firsthand the challenges animals face, from neglect and cruelty to limited access to affordable veterinary care.
Scratching Is Normal: Here’s How to Protect Your Furniture
Scratching is a normal part of being a cat, even when your furniture would prefer otherwise. Our partners at Give Them Ten and Scooter the Neutered Cat recently shared helpful tips for understanding why cats scratch and how cat owners can redirect the behavior to more appropriate places.
Second Defendant Charged in Loudonville Dog Breeder Case, Also Faces Charges Involving Children
A second person has now been charged in connection with the investigation into the Loudonville commercial dog breeding operation previously covered by Ohio Animal Advocates. According to Richland Source, Ross C. Rutschilling, 24, faces six charges in Ohio, including five counts of aiding or abetting sexual conduct with an animal and one count of attempted cruelty to companion animals.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela
