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Driving Change for Pets and People: A Conversation with Claire of AWI

Claire Coughlin, Director of the Companion Animal Program at the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), describes her position as her “unicorn job”, a perfect match of her passion and purpose. With a career spanning human services, support for abuse survivors, and animal welfare, Claire has long worked at the intersection of compassion for both people and pets. “A central part of my role is ensuring that policies and programs translate into real outcomes,” Claire shared. “The work we do at AWI isn’t abstract; it’s about creating tools and resources that truly help people and animals in crisis.”

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The PUPP Act: Keeping Families and Pets Together

Hundreds of thousands of Americans experience homelessness every year. For many, their greatest source of comfort and unconditional love is their pet. Sadly, too many unhoused individuals face a heartbreaking choice: seek shelter and give up their beloved companion—or remain on the streets together.

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PETA Sues American Kennel Club Over Breed Standards

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has filed a lawsuit against the American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC) in the Supreme Court for the State of New York, County of New York.

According to PETA’s complaint, the AKC’s Official Breed Standards for several popular breeds—including the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, and Chinese Shar-Pei—“provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs and thus severely impede canine health and well-being.”

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Board President Megan Moon on Service & Strategy

As the board president of OAA's governing board, Megan Moon is responsible for overseeing the board’s functions, ensuring that the nonprofit fulfills its mission, and supporting the executive director. In addition to her work with Ohio Animal Advocates, Megan serves her local community through her work with Waste-Free Dayton, Kettering Volunteer Advisory Council, NAMIWalks, and more.

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A Heart for Animals

Located in Marysville, Ohio, Sunrise Farm Sanctuary stands as a safe haven for farm animals once neglected, abused, or abandoned. Founded in 2001, the sanctuary has grown into a powerful voice for animal welfare thanks to the dedication of its founder, Mindy Mallett, and board members such as Sandy Horvath. Sandy has worked tirelessly to provide lifelong refuge to farmed and companion animals and wildlife, restoring their dignity and allowing them to live in peace.

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OAA Earns Candid Gold Seal of Transparency

We’re thrilled to announce that Ohio Animal Advocates has been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid (formerly GuideStar)! This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to openness, accountability, and trust—and it’s a testament to YOU, our incredible community of supporters.

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Announcing Our Newest Advocacy Page: Equines

We are excited to announce our new policy area on equines! Ohio Animal Advocates is dedicated to championing a higher standard of well-being for all equines. Our equine advocacy page aims to educate Ohioans on some of the most prevalent issues facing horses and other equines, including horse racing, soring and performance-enhancing drugs, horse slaughter, wild horse helicopter round-ups, and horse-drawn carriages. Read more about these topics here!

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Rhode Island Bans Cat Declawing: A Major Win for Feline Welfare

In a major victory for animal protection, Rhode Island has officially banned cat declawing, joining a growing list of states taking action against this painful and unnecessary procedure. The new law—An Act Relating to Animals and Animal Husbandry — Cruelty to Animals (S.B.180A/H.B.5668A)—was signed into law in early July and restricts the practice of declawing cats unless it is medically necessary to address a specific health issue, such as cancer in the nail bed.

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Victory for Beagles: NIH’s Final Dog Testing Lab Shut Down After WCW Campaign

A major milestone in the fight against government-funded animal testing was achieved this month as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially shut down its last in-house dog lab. The closure comes after nearly a decade of relentless advocacy from White Coat Waste Project (WCW), a watchdog organization known for exposing and challenging taxpayer-funded animal experiments.

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Shelley Lieberman: Turning Compassion into Action for Animals and People

Shelley Lieberman has built a life around a simple but powerful idea: when you care deeply about something, that’s where your work should begin. That mindset has guided her journey as a passionate advocate for both animals and the people who love them. As a longtime board member of Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA), Shelley has helped lead efforts that connect the dots between animal welfare, domestic violence, and homelessness.

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“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”

— Nelson Mandela