Speak Up for Dogs: Preparing Testimony for Ohio’s Puppy Mill Bill (SB 232)

Momentum is building in Ohio to strengthen protections for dogs in commercial breeding facilities—and advocates across the state are stepping up.

Recently, State Senator Casey Weinstein, sponsor of Senate Bill 232, visited the Humane Society of Summit County to discuss the need for stronger oversight of puppy mills. The event brought together animal welfare advocates, including leaders from grassroots organizations working to improve conditions for dogs across Ohio.

But the next phase of this effort will depend on something critical: Public testimony.

Why Testimony Matters

As Senate Bill 232 moves forward, lawmakers will be collecting written and oral testimony from Ohioans.

This step is a powerful opportunity for advocates, professionals, and community members to:

• Share firsthand experiences

• Highlight gaps in current laws

• Urge lawmakers to strengthen protections for dogs

Legislators often consider both the quality and quantity of testimony submitted. In other words—the more voices they hear, the stronger the message.

What to Expect

Testimony submissions are typically:

• Open for a very limited time (sometimes just a few days)

• Submitted through an official online portal

• Reviewed by committee members as part of the legislative process

Because the window is short, preparation is key.

How to Prepare Your Testimony

You don’t need to be an expert to make an impact. Some of the most powerful testimony comes from personal experience and genuine concern.

Here’s a simple structure to follow:

1. Introduce Yourself

   1. Share who you are and why you care about this issue.

2. Tell Your Story

   1. Have you worked with dogs from breeding facilities? Adopted a dog with medical or behavioral challenges?
      Seen the strain on shelters and rescues?

3. Explain Why Change Is Needed

   1. Connect your experience to the bigger picture, gaps in oversight, lack of enforcement, or the need for stronger standards.

4. Offer a Solution

   1. Express support for Senate Bill 232 and stronger regulations for high-volume breeders.

5. Close with Gratitude

   1. Thank the committee for their time and consideration.

Every Voice Counts — Even If You Don’t Have Direct Experience

Not everyone has worked directly with dogs from puppy mills, and that’s okay. You can still submit testimony about:

• Why animal welfare matters to you

• Why stronger oversight is important

• Why Ohio should lead, not lag, in humane standards

Advocacy is not limited to experts. It belongs to anyone willing to speak up.

A Critical Moment for Change

Ohio has an opportunity to strengthen its laws and improve conditions for thousands of dogs. But legislation doesn’t move forward on its own. It moves because people show up, speak out, and stay engaged.

Take Action Now

Ohio Animal Advocates will share updates as soon as the testimony submission window opens. In the meantime:

1. Submit an action alert to Hold Puppy Mill Breeders Accountable for Animal Abuse

2. Draft your testimony

3. Talk with friends and colleagues about submitting theirs

4. Sign up for our newsletter to receive OAA action alerts and animal welfare updates delivered straight to your inbox.