In Wyandot County, compassion has a home — and it started in a garage.

Founded in 1985 by Dave and Lynda Balz, the Wyandot County Humane Society (WCHS) began as a simple effort to help stray and unwanted animals find safety and care. Forty years later, that small act of service has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that includes the HOPE (Helping Our Pets Everywhere) Clinic and the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, all working together to save lives of every species imaginable.

In Orange, Vermont, beavers have been given a chance to thrive thanks to an innovative flow device known as a “beaver deceiver.” Installed by Beaver Deceivers LLC and funded primarily by In Defense of Animals (IDA), the device allows beavers to remain in their natural habitat while also preventing flooding that can damage roads and culverts.

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.

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.

In a powerful episode of The Animal Welfare Junction podcast, host Dr. Michelle Gonzalez takes listeners inside the 10th Anniversary celebration of My Dog is My Home and Found House Interfaith Housing Network—two organizations leading the way in supporting people experiencing homelessness with their beloved pets.

In a powerful new episode of The Animal Welfare Junction podcast, our very own Dr. G—Ohio Animal Advocates Board Member—dives deep into the chilling world of exotic animal ownership and the hard-fought efforts to protect captive primates.

On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a groundbreaking plan that could reshape the future of drug development—and save countless animal lives in the process.

In a bold move, FDA Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary unveiled a roadmap to phase out animal testing, starting with monoclonal antibody therapies. Backed by bipartisan legislation and cutting-edge technology, this shift marks the beginning of a more ethical, efficient, and human-relevant approach to drug safety.

In a landmark decision, the Ohio Supreme Court has clarified that all cats and dogs—whether they live indoors, outdoors, are owned, stray, or community animals—are protected under Ohio’s felony cruelty laws.

The case arose after a man was convicted of felony animal cruelty against a cat. His defense argued that because the animal was not “kept” by a person, it did not qualify for protection under the law. The Court rejected that argument—setting a powerful precedent for animal protection across Ohio.

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez-Monska — known to many as Dr. G — was honored with the Humane World for Animals Access to Care Visionary Award at this year's Animal Care EXPO!