Ohio has the chance to join a growing movement to protect cats from one of the most painful and unnecessary surgeries still being performed: declawing. Senate Bill 252 (S.B. 252) would make it illegal to declaw cats in Ohio, except in rare cases where it is medically necessary for the animal’s health.

The Ashtabula County Animal Protective League (ACAPL) is facing one of its most heartbreaking and overwhelming rescues to date. Earlier this month, a tip about inhumane conditions led to the removal of 72 cats and three dogs from two homes deemed “biohazards” by authorities.

The community of Canton, Ohio, is reeling after investigators uncovered a disturbing scene inside a home on Wertz Avenue. Following a tip from an animal rescue group, authorities executed a search warrant and discovered over 250 living rats, 100 deceased rats, dogs, turtles, and birds—all living among piles of filth, feces, and urine. Even more shocking, a box containing human bones was found inside.

Last month, Mexico City revised their civil code to elevate animal’s legal status from property to sentient beings. This seemingly small change has massive implications for our furry friends. Under the new law, every person has the obligation to respect the lives of animals and ensure their care. This means that they are no longer considered “things,” but living, breathing beings with both basic needs and loving care. 

In a groundbreaking shift, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced plans to phase out extramural grant funding for experiments involving dogs and cats. This decision comes after years of advocacy from animal welfare groups, including the White Coat Waste Project, and marks a major step toward more humane science.

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.

The OAA recommended book of the month is Two Frisky Kittens: How to Count High Real Quick by Robin Lapre! This playful yet impactful children’s book highlights the real-life consequences of cat homelessness, environmental impact, and shelter overcrowding — all told through catchy rhymes and heartfelt illustrations.

On a bustling Saturday in Gainesville, Florida, the team at Operation Catnip pulled off an extraordinary feat: spaying and neutering 500 cats in a single day. The high-volume clinic, hosted at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, marked a major milestone—100,000 community cats fixed since the organization’s founding in 1998.

The OAA recommended book of the month is The Cat Man of Aleppo by Karim Shamsi-Basha and Irene Latham. This book tells the true story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who, amid the Syrian Civil War, courageously offered safe haven to Aleppo’s abandoned cats. The story follows Alaa through the war-torn streets as he uses the little money he earns from his job as an ambulance driver to buy food and supplies for the cats.

If your organization is working to humanely manage community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and is ready to grow its impact, we have exciting news: the Summerlee Sustainable Solutions Grant Program is now accepting applications!

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.

Cats are now part of the story.

While avian influenza (H5N1) has long been a threat to bird populations, a disturbing development has emerged: domestic cats across multiple U.S. states have tested positive for the virus. For shelters, rescues, community cat groups, and access-to-care clinics, this means shifting protocols, staying informed, and protecting both animals and staff.