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False Report Leads to Tragic Dog Shooting in Madison Township
On the morning of July 21, law enforcement officers responded to a false emergency call in Madison Township. The caller falsely claimed that a “grandma” had been shot in the kitchen of a home on the 3300 block of South Hamilton Road, near Hott Road.
Wooster Man Sentenced to Probation After Killing 17 Cats
A Wooster man who admitted to killing 17 cats using a makeshift gas chamber has been sentenced to just six months of probation. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to five counts of cruelty to companion animals and one count of petty theft.
Ohio Man Guilty in Dogfighting Case
An Ohio man has admitted to running a dogfighting operation while also engaging in drug trafficking — a disturbing reminder of the cruelty and crime tied to animal fighting ventures.
Animal Cruelty on the Rise: Help Us Help Them
It seems every month we hear about horrific cruelty to animals in the media in Ohio this year. From an ESA cat freezing to death on Summit Lake to more than a hundred farm animals being hoarded by a veterinarian in Sandusky, animal cruelty must be stopped.
FDA Declares Historic Shift Away from Animal Testing
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.
Over 200 Animals Rescued from Deplorable Conditions on Wellington, OH Farm
Earlier this spring, more than 200 animals were rescued from a farm in Wellington, Ohio, after investigators uncovered what one shelter called “deplorable and inhumane” conditions. The rescue, led by the Friendship Animal Protective League (FAPL), marks the third large-scale animal seizure in less than 30 days for the organization.
Man Arrested for Cruelty After Allegedly Maiming Newborn Kittens in Summit County
In a heartbreaking case that has shaken animal lovers and advocates across Ohio, a man in Summit County has been arrested after allegedly cutting off the tails of three newborn kittens. The suspect, 57-year-old Bret Stalnaker, is now facing a felony charge of animal cruelty.
Toxic Trap: Rat Poison and Antifreeze Kill Cats in Gahanna
By now, many in the Gahanna, Ohio community have heard the heartbreaking news: several outdoor cats were poisoned last summer—and again in December—with necropsy results confirming the presence of both rat poison and antifreeze in at least one cat's system. But despite these findings, no charges have been filed.
From Rescuer to Predator: The Shocking Case of Steffen Baldwin
For years, Steffen Baldwin was seen as a hero in the animal rescue world—a self-proclaimed “dog whisperer” who claimed to rehabilitate the unadoptable, the aggressive, and the misunderstood. He built a public persona based on compassion, gaining the trust of shelters, rescue groups, and dog lovers across the country. But behind the carefully curated image was a deeply disturbing truth: Baldwin was not saving dogs. He was killing them.
Hundreds of Roosters Rescued from Cruel Cockfighting Rings in Ohio
In a major operation spanning 48 hours, hundreds of roosters were freed from the brutal world of cockfighting in Huron and Lorain Counties. Humane agents, alongside local animal rescue organizations, worked tirelessly to dismantle three illegal cockfighting rings, bringing an end to the suffering of these exploited birds.
Local Rescue Saves More Than a Dozen Dogs from Deplorable Puppy Mill Conditions
In a heartwarming yet heartbreaking rescue mission, Operation Saves, a Toledo-based animal rescue, has taken in more than a dozen dogs saved from a puppy mill. The conditions these dogs endured were described as appalling, but thanks to the dedication and compassion of rescuers, they are now on their way to a better life.
The Link Between Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence: A Call for Change
The connection between animal abuse and domestic violence is undeniable, yet often overlooked. Research consistently shows that those who harm animals are frequently also perpetrators of violence in human relationships. The two forms of abuse are inextricably linked, each feeding off the other, forming a cycle of control, fear, and manipulation. If we are to address domestic violence effectively, we must confront animal cruelty as a critical part of the problem.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela