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Book of the Month Ohio Animal Advocates Book of the Month Ohio Animal Advocates

OAA Book of the Month: Pets for Profit: An Insider’s Account of How Private Equity Ruined Veterinary Care

When a beloved animal becomes sick or injured, most people expect veterinary decisions to be guided by medical expertise, compassion, and the best interests of the patient. But what happens when financial investors increasingly shape the veterinary industry? That is the central question explored in Pets for Profit: An Insider's Account of How Private Equity Ruined Veterinary Care

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Housing Rights for People With Emotional Support Animals are Changing

A recent policy shift from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has created confusion and concern for many people who rely on emotional support animals (ESAs) as part of their disability accommodations.

While HUD has announced changes to how it handles certain ESA-related complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is important to understand that state and local protections for people with disabilities and emotional support animals may still remain fully intact.

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How Vaccine Hesitancy in Humans is Affecting Companion Animals

Vaccines have become one of the most emotionally charged public health conversations of the past decade. What was once primarily a debate surrounding human medicine has now spilled into the world of companion animals and according to recent research, the consequences could be devastating for both dogs and people.

In a recent article titled Vaccine Hesitancy Now Affects Dogs, Putting Humans at Risk,” psychologist and canine researcher Stanley Coren explores the growing number of pet owners choosing not to vaccinate their dogs. The article cites studies showing that approximately 22 percent of dog owners in the United States are now considered vaccine hesitant.

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Etsy Announces Ban on Fur Sales in New Policy Update

In a significant victory for animal protection advocates, has announced it will ban the sale of animal fur products across its platform beginning August 11, 2026.

The updated policy prohibits the sale of products made from animals killed primarily for their pelts, including raw pelts, fur garments, and fur accessories made from animals such as mink, fox, and rabbit — regardless of whether the items are new or vintage.

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Runaway Ostrich in Ohio Highlights Challenges of Keeping Exotic Animals in Captivity

A loose ostrich running through rural Ohio may sound like an unusual or even humorous news story, but incidents like this raise important questions about exotic animal ownership, public safety, and animal welfare.

According to reports from local authorities, an ostrich escaped in Madison County, Ohio, on March 23, 2026, prompting a response from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies spent several hours searching for and eventually helping corral the bird before it was safely returned to its owner. The ostrich was spotted near Lafayette Plain City and Taylor Blair roads before authorities successfully reunited the animal with its home.

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Potentially Life-Saving News for Ohio Drivers and Wildlife!

Though roadkill reporting may not seem like good news, a crowdsourced public-use roadkill reporting app was recently developed and made available by Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to identify “hotspots,” areas on roadways where collisions with animals tend to concentrate.

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Puppy Mill Pipeline Plagues Colorado Consumers

We can shut down the puppy-mill pipeline plaguing Colorado consumers.

According to Florida’s Attorney General, deceptive pet sales tied to commercial breeding operations cost Florida consumers more than $25 million annually in avoidable veterinary bills, medications and heartbreak. Colorado has no reason to believe we are immune from the same costly system — and House Bill 26-1011 offers an opportunity to fix it.

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Calls for Investigation Grow After Community Cat Shot by Huber Heights Police Officer

An incident involving a community cat in Huber Heights, Ohio, is drawing national attention and raising serious concerns among animal advocates about humane response protocols, accountability, and the treatment of free-roaming cats.

According to reports, on April 23, a Huber Heights police officer shot an orange tabby cat after responding to a call about an animal allegedly suspected of having rabies. The officer’s report stated the cat appeared injured, was limping, and had white foam coming from its mouth. The officer then used his service weapon to shoot the cat twice.

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Ohio’s Proposed Hunting & Fishing Constitutional Amendment Deemed a “Solution in Search of a Problem”

A proposed constitutional amendment moving through the Ohio legislature is raising serious questions among wildlife advocates, legal experts, and even longtime hunters. Senate Joint Resolution 8 (SJR 8) would add the right to “hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife” to the Ohio Constitution — elevating these activities to protected constitutional rights.

Supporters describe the measure as a way to preserve Ohio’s hunting heritage and protect outdoor traditions from potential future restrictions. Opponents, however, argue that hunting and fishing are already legal and well-regulated in Ohio, making the amendment unnecessary and potentially harmful.

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Peru Becomes First Country to Recognize Legal Rights of Insects

In a historic step for animal and environmental protection, municipalities in Peru have officially recognized native stingless bees as legal subjects with rights, marking the first known time in global legal history that insects have been granted this kind of legal recognition.

The new ordinances, passed in the Peruvian regions of Satipo and Nauta, recognize stingless bees and their habitats as having the right to exist, thrive, regenerate natural cycles, and receive legal protection from environmental harm.

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From Fatal to Treatable: The New Era of FIP Care

For years, a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) felt like a death sentence for cat caregivers and veterinarians alike. Shelters, rescues, foster homes, and cat owners across the country experienced the heartbreak of losing kittens and cats to a disease that once had no effective treatment. Today, that reality is changing.

In a recent episode of the Community Cats Central, renowned pet journalist and feline advocate Steve Dale shared a message that brought veterinarians around the world to tears:

“I’m announcing that FIP is no longer considered fatal.”

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Ohio Animal Foundation 2026 Grant Cycle Open until June 1st

The 2026 grant cycle at Ohio Animal Foundation kicked off on May 1st. They are accepting applications for their small grant program throughout the month of May. The typical grant range is $250-$500. Ohio-based nonprofit organizations with programs benefitting companion animals and/or Ohio wildlife are encouraged to apply. Note that applications requesting a general donation are not accepted.

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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

Person petting a tabby cat with green eyes, the cat appears content and relaxed.