Welcoming Laura J. Martin, Esq. to the Ohio Animal Advocates Board

We’re excited to introduce Laura J. Martin, Esq., a new member of the Ohio Animal Advocates Board. With a background in animal law, advocacy, and lifelong experience working with animals, Martin brings a thoughtful, systems-focused perspective to OAA’s mission. In this Q&A, she shares what drew her to the board, the issues she’s most passionate about, and her hopes for the future of animal protection in Ohio.

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

Martin: Joining a board like OAA was always something I envisioned for the future, but the timing came together when OAA put out a call for new board members who were a strong fit for the mission. I had been waiting until I felt I had the time and capacity to really devote myself to the role, and this felt like the right alignment of opportunity, experience, and readiness.

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

Martin: I became most aware of animal welfare policy issues in Ohio through my involvement with the Ohio State Bar Association, specifically the Animal Law Committee. Vicki served as a liaison to that committee for more than two decades, and I would regularly call into meetings, which exposed me to just how much information, advocacy, and policy work was happening statewide. I’ve always had animals throughout my life and have done some informal, personal dog rescue along the way, but that policy lens really deepened my understanding of how systemic change happens.

Question: What excites you most about being part of OAA at this moment?

Martin: The opportunity to have a true statewide impact is what excites me most. On an individual level, you can help one or two animals at a time, which absolutely matters, but OAA’s reach allows for change that helps animals across Ohio. OAA has already demonstrated this impact, such as helping recognize the link between human and animal violence. There’s real potential for OAA to serve as a model for meaningful, scalable change.

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)?

Martin: One of my personal passion projects is increasing the prevalence of estate planning for pets in Ohio and beyond. I also see tremendous opportunity in connecting education, humane education, and grassroots advocacy. When more people are informed and empowered to speak out on animal issues, our collective ability to pass protective legislation and implement effective programs grows exponentially.

Question: Do you share your life with any animals at home? Tell us a little about them!

Martin: Yes, I currently share my home with three dogs. I have a 12-year-old Rottweiler mix who was rescued after being found abused and tied to railroad tracks, an 8-year-old pit bull who came from a Montgomery County seizure case, and a 3-year-old German Shepherd–pit bull mix. Each of them has their own story, and they’ve all played a role in shaping my perspective on animal welfare.

Question: What’s one memorable experience you’ve had—either with an animal or in advocacy—that’s shaped your perspective on animal welfare?

Martin: One of the most impactful experiences for me was rescuing pit bulls during a time when breed-specific discrimination was widespread. Seeing firsthand how ineffective and unfair breed-specific legislation is really shaped my perspective. Penalizing entire breeds without addressing root causes or investing in owner education simply doesn’t work. It’s unjust and counterproductive.

I also grew up showing horses through my youth and young adulthood, competed with dogs in obedience, nose work, and tracking, and earned an undergraduate degree in animal science. All of these experiences contributed to a deeper respect for animals and the importance of evidence-based approaches to welfare.

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

Martin: I hope OAA continues to grow its name recognition across Ohio so that more people who care about pets and animals know who OAA is, understand the mission, and actively support the work. Broad awareness is key to building long-term momentum for change.

Question: What’s your “spirit animal” or an animal you feel especially connected to, and why?

Martin: The coyote. I have three or four mugs with coyotes on them.

Question: If you could inspire one action from Ohioans to make a difference for animals, what would it be?

Martin: Pet planning. I would love to see every Ohioan who has pets plan ahead for their animals’ future — during their lifetime and after death. As more people view animals as true family members, it becomes much harder for society to tolerate poor treatment or neglect of animals.

We’re grateful to have Martin’s insight, experience, and passion as part of the Ohio Animal Advocates leadership team. Her commitment to education, policy, and long-term planning reflects the kind of forward-thinking advocacy that helps protect animals across Ohio. We’re excited to see the impact of his work with OAA in the years ahead.

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