From Boots on the Ground to the Statehouse: Meet OAA Board Member Chris Riggi

At Ohio Animal Advocates, our board members bring a powerful mix of lived experience, professional expertise, and passion for animals. We sat down with Chris Riggi to talk about his journey, from grassroots rescue work to legislative advocacy, and how he’s working to create lasting change for animals across Ohio.

Question: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to join the Ohio Animal Advocates Board?

Riggi: I’m based in Akron, Ohio, and I co-founded Riggi Rescue with my wife, Crystal. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) and we also take in critical cases, like cats with amputations or serious illnesses, and help rehab and rehome them. I also have a law degree from Cleveland State University, and that background really drew me to OAA. I wanted to combine hands-on rescue work with policy and legislation to create more permanent change.

Question: How did you first get involved in animal welfare or advocacy work?

Riggi: I’ve always loved animals, but my wife was really the catalyst. She started a horse rescue as part of managing her rheumatoid arthritis, and that expanded into rescuing other animals. At one point, we rescued a newborn kitten from a barn, Boom Boom, and that moment really shifted everything. We saw the need, especially in Summit County and Akron, and transitioned into cat rescue. Over time, we focused more on critical care and TNVR because the need is so great.

Question: How did you get connected with OAA?

Riggi: I met Vicki, OAA’s Executive Director, at a Community Cat Summit in Strongsville, OH. My wife was presenting, and we started talking. With my background in law and rescue, and even community organizing from past work, I felt like it was a natural fit. Eventually, I joined the board.

Question: Are there particular issues or program areas within OAA’s work that you feel most passionate about (for example, community cats, legislation, or education)?

Riggi: Community cats and legislation, for sure. There’s a lot of misunderstanding, especially around feeding bans. Those don’t solve the problem. Cats will just find other food sources. The real solution is TNVR. Without it, you get what’s called the “vacuum effect,” you remove cats, and new ones move in to take their place. I’m also passionate about addressing puppy mills. Ohio is one of the worst states in the country for them, and we need stronger laws and enforcement.

Question: How do you see yourself contributing as a board member?

Riggi: A big focus for me is building neighborhood teams and getting people involved locally and then expanding that across the state. That grassroots approach is how we create real change. Education is another huge piece. The more people understand the issues, the more they care and the more they act.

Question: Do you share your life with any animals?

Riggi: Yes, one dog, several cats, and some sanctuary cats with long-term medical needs. They’re all part of the family.

Question: What’s one experience that shaped your perspective on animal welfare?

Riggi: Seeing the lack of laws, and sometimes lack of compassion, for companion animals has been eye-opening. It’s honestly shocking how poorly animals can be treated. We’ve seen really difficult cases, including severe abuse. And it makes you realize: if someone can treat animals that way, it says a lot about how they might treat people too.

Question: What are your hopes for OAA’s future?

Riggi: I want to see OAA continue to grow its presence and credibility across the state. The stronger our network, the more impact we can have, especially when it comes to legislation. Ohio has very different animal welfare challenges depending on the region—urban vs. rural—and we need a statewide network to really understand and address those differences.

Question: If you could inspire one action from Ohioans, what would it be?

Riggi: Know that you can make a difference. Learn about issues like TNVR, share that knowledge with others, donate if you can, or get involved locally. Even small actions matter, and they add up.

Question: What is your spirit animal?

Riggi: A flamingo. I’m originally from South Florida, so I’ve always loved them. Also a big fan of manatees and dolphins.

We’re grateful to have Riggi’s experience and passion as part of the Ohio Animal Advocates leadership team. His work is a powerful example of what happens when compassion meets action, from rescuing cats on the ground to advocating for stronger laws across Ohio. And his message is simple but powerful: Everyone has the ability to make a difference.

Meet all the OAA Board members, staff and advisors at ohioanimaladvocates.org/about.