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Bird Flu Outbreak at Utah Mink Farm Raises Animal Welfare and Public Health Concerns
A bird flu outbreak at a Utah mink farm is raising concerns about animal welfare, disease prevention, and the potential risks to human health. According to a September 27 report from The Salt Lake Tribune, a mink farm in Salt Lake County is experiencing the first documented outbreak of bird flu in captive mink in the United States.
From the Exam Room to the Statehouse: Dr. G's Fight for Animals
From investigating animal cruelty cases to expanding access to veterinary care, Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez, or Dr. G, is dedicated to making a difference for animals across Ohio. As both a practicing veterinarian and a forensic veterinarian, Dr. G has witnessed firsthand the challenges animals face, from neglect and cruelty to limited access to affordable veterinary care.
Who Decides When a Pet Is Unsafe? Skid Row Debate Raises Questions About Animals & Homelessness
A debate in Los Angeles is raising difficult questions about animal welfare, homelessness, and how communities distinguish legitimate concerns about an animal’s well-being from assumptions based on a person’s housing status. Recent reporting and claims from some animal advocates have raised concerns about the treatment of animals in Los Angeles’ Skid Row neighborhood.
The Animal Health Organization Faces Critical Staffing and Financial Challenges
The Animal Health Organization (TAHO) is facing a critical staffing and financial challenge that could impact access to veterinary care in its community. According to TAHO, the ongoing shortage of veterinarians has significantly affected both its staffing capacity and revenue, putting the organization in a precarious financial position.
Rabies Prevention: Protecting Pets and People
Recent reports of rabies-positive skunks in Washington County, Maryland offer an important reminder for pet owners everywhere: keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations protects both animals and people. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. It can affect wildlife as well as domestic animals, including cats and dogs.
Missing Ohio Cat Reunited With Owner After Six Years
A Dayton-area cat recently returned home after an extraordinary six years apart from his family, offering an important reminder about the value of microchipping pets. Fourteen-year-old Booger disappeared in 2020. Six years later, he arrived at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton as a severely ill stray. After months of recovery and a microchip, he finally made it home.
Ohio Construction Crew Rescues Kitten Trapped in Excavator
A tiny kitten rescued from a piece of construction equipment in Northeast Ohio has found a home and a place on the crew. The kitten was discovered in July when Chase Guello, an operating supervisor with RiverReach Construction, heard cries coming from an excavator while checking the equipment. After removing the skid plates underneath the machine, the crew was able to safely free her.
Turning Rescue Experience Into Change: Meet OAA Board Member Niki Johnson
Ohio Animal Advocates is powered by people who care deeply about improving the lives of animals across Ohio. We sat down with OAA Board Member Niki Johnson, whose background in animal rescue gives her firsthand insight into both the emotional and operational sides of animal welfare. From transporting and fostering dogs to helping start RESCUEDohio, Niki has spent years seeing what it takes to help animals in need and why preventing that need in the first place is so important.
From the Front Lines to Advocacy: Meet OAA Board Member Scott Mills
Ohio Animal Advocates is excited to introduce Scott Mills, Chief Dog Warden and Humane Agent for Marion County in Ohio and a member of the OAA Board of Directors. Scott has spent more than a decade working directly in animal welfare and brings firsthand experience in humane enforcement, animal cruelty investigations, community resources and legislation to OAA.
Animal Charity of Ohio Suspends Humane Investigations and Intakes Amid Funding Crisis
Animal Charity of Ohio has suspended its humane investigations and animal intakes, citing financial and capacity challenges that organization leaders say have made it impossible to continue the services for now. The organization had already suspended animal control services in June, but continued conducting humane investigations and accepting animals from abuse and neglect cases.
Concerns Grow Over Conditions at Lake County Dog Shelter Following HVAC Outage
Concerns about conditions at the Lake County Dog Shelter are drawing increased attention after an HVAC failure during extreme summer heat forced officials to relocate most of the shelter’s dogs. During a July heat wave, temperatures inside the shelter reportedly reached 94.5 degrees.
Dogs Matter: How Temporary Foster Care Helps Keep People and Their Pets Together During Recovery
For many people entering inpatient treatment for substance use disorder, one heartbreaking question can become a barrier to getting help: Who will take care of my dog? That's where Dogs Matter comes in. The fear of surrendering or abandoning that companion can cause people to delay—or avoid—life-saving treatment altogether.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela
