Education in Action: OAA & OPOTA Training Series Recap

Animal Welfare

Jul 6

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Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) partnered with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) to deliver a statewide training series focused on The Link Between Human and Animal Violence. Thanks to the support of the Animal Welfare Institute and Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust, OAA was able to conduct 7 in-person full day trainings for law enforcement and other professions mandated to report animal abuse at the OPOTA Close to Home programs around Ohio including: Clark State College in Springfield, Great Oaks Career Campuses in Cincinnati, Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville, Kent State University - Twinsburg Campus, Lorain County Community College, and Owens State Community College.

The series brought together law enforcement officers, humane agents, animal control professionals, social workers, case workers, domestic violence advocates, prosecutors, and more to strengthen collaboration and improve responses to cases involving both animal cruelty and interpersonal violence.

The seventh and final training, held June 22nd at Owens Community College in Perrysburg, concluded the series with presentations on The Link Between Human and Animal Violence and Avery's Law, Ohio's new dangerous dog legislation.

Understanding the Link Between Human and Animal Violence

Research continues to show a strong connection between animal cruelty and other forms of violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse. Recognizing this connection equips professionals to identify warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed and encourages a more comprehensive approach to investigations.

When reports of animal cruelty are thoroughly investigated, additional forms of violence are often uncovered. Throughout the training series, participants explored this connection through real-world case examples, practical guidance, and discussion led by professionals with firsthand experience. By increasing awareness of The Link, Ohio's professionals are being equipped with the knowledge needed to better protect both animals and people.

Avery's Law: A New Chapter for Ohio

The June training also provided an in-depth look at Avery's Law, which took effect on March 20th, 2026. The legislation updated Ohio's dangerous and vicious dog statutes with the goal of increasing accountability for owners of dangerous and aggressive dogs and improving public safety.

Since its implementation, however, questions have arisen regarding how the law should be applied and which agencies are responsible for investigating, enforcing, and managing dangerous dog cases. These challenges have highlighted the need for continued education and collaboration among the professionals responsible for carrying out the law.

During the training, attendees heard directly from individuals involved in the development and implementation of Avery's Law. Participants asked questions, shared experiences from their own jurisdictions, and engaged in thoughtful discussion about the law's practical impacts. The conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration as agencies work through the challenges and unintended consequences that have emerged since the law took effect.

OAA is grateful to OPOTA, our funders, presenters, attendees, and each of our host locations for making this statewide training series a success. By working together and investing in education, we continue to strengthen Ohio's animal protection community and advance our shared mission of protecting both animals and people.