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New York City Votes to End Horse-Drawn Carriages After Decades of Animal Welfare Advocacy
After more than two decades of advocacy, New York City has taken a historic step toward ending its horse-drawn carriage industry, marking a significant milestone for animal welfare and public safety. On October 22, 2026, the New York City Council voted 40–7 to phase out horse-drawn carriage operations by June 2028.
Ohio Announces New Domestic Violence Initiatives, and Why Animals are Part of the Story
Several new initiatives to improve services for domestic violence survivors, and provide better training and protection for law enforcement officers who respond to domestic violence situations. This came shortly after new data was released from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), showing that domestic violence is the “most prevalent crime in Ohio.”
Be Ready for Anything: Pet Emergency Preparedness
You may not think a natural disaster will happen to you, but you can never be too prepared in case the unthinkable happens. Ohio sees its fair share of emergencies, from tornadoes and flash flooding to severe winter storms, house fires, and chemical spills, and any of them can force you and your pets with little warning.
Free Access to Spay/Neuter Conference Recordings Available for Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Residents
Missed the 2026 United Spay Alliance Conference? There's still an opportunity to learn from animal welfare experts at no cost! Thanks to the generous support of the Joanie Bernard Foundation, a partner of OAA, scholarships are still available for residents of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana to access recordings from the 2026 United Spay Alliance Conference.
Meet the Board: Kurt Waltzer Brings Decades of Policy and Nonprofit Experience to Ohio Animal Advocates
From environmental advocacy to animal welfare, OAA Board Member Kurt Waltzer brings decades of experience in public policy, nonprofit leadership, and building coalitions for meaningful change. Although his professional background is rooted in environmental and climate policy, Kurt's friendship with OAA founder Vicki Deisner and his belief in the organization's mission inspired him to get involved.
Meet the Board: Matthew Pryor's Passion for Policy, Pets, and Protecting Animals
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Matthew Pryor, animal welfare is a mix of heart and law. A lifelong animal lover, Matthew is a civil litigation attorney who joined the Board to put his love of reading and understanding the law to work for animals, both by helping Ohioans understand the laws that affect them and by advocating for better ones.
Ohio Sees Nation's Largest Decline in Housing Affordability: What This Means for Pet Owners
Ohio has experienced the largest decline in homeownership affordability in the United States over the past five years, according to a new report from the National Housing Conference (NHC). As reported by NBC4, homeownership affordability in Ohio dropped by 41% between 2020 and 2025, with rising housing costs significantly outpacing wages.
Ohio's Domestic Violence Initiatives Highlight the Connection Between Animal Abuse and Family Violence
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced new initiatives to support domestic violence survivors and improve law enforcement responses, following research showing that domestic violence is the most prevalent violent crime in Ohio. According to the Governor's October 22 announcement, more than half of Ohio's violent crime arrests between 1974 and 2023 involved domestic violence charges.
When Saving Lives Comes at a Cost: Examining the Unintended Consequences of the No-Kill Movement
The no-kill movement has reshaped animal sheltering across the United States, encouraging communities to prioritize lifesaving alternatives to euthanasia. However, concerns about animal overpopulation, overcrowded shelters, and public safety raise an important question: Are efforts to save every animal sometimes creating unintended consequences?
United Spay Alliance Featured in American Public Health Association Newsletter for Rabies Prevention Efforts
Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) is proud to celebrate the national recognition of our partner organization, United Spay Alliance (USA), whose rabies prevention efforts were recently featured in the American Public Health Association (APHA) One Health Fall 2026 Newsletter.
Ohio Animal Advocates Earns 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid
Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to announce that we have earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the highest level of recognition awarded through its nonprofit transparency program. This achievement reflects our commitment to accountability, transparency, and sharing the impact of our work to improve animal welfare across Ohio.
Your Voice for Ohio’s Animals: Legislative Updates and How to Help
After summer recess, Ohio’s legislative session is back, and there are two legislative bills that OAA has been monitoring closely as they have a good chance of passing the finish line and being signed by the Governor! While SB 393 passed the Ohio Senate unanimously this summer and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, there is still work to be done in the House before it becomes law.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela
