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.

As the United Spay Alliance State Leader for Ohio, we’re proud to introduce a powerful new message we’re embracing across the country: Fix For Life.

At its core, this is more than a tagline—it’s a call to action. Because fixing isn’t just a procedure—it’s a promise. A promise of health, safety, and compassion for every animal in every community.

At the University of Dayton (UD), a group of passionate students is proving that compassion and community can make a real difference for animals in need. Paws with Claws, UD’s first student organization dedicated to cat advocacy, has already helped nine community cats find safety, medical care, and loving homes since launching in 2024.

We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Ohio Animal Foundation small grant cycle is officially open! Applications will be accepted from May 1 through June 1, 2025, and we encourage Ohio-based nonprofit organizations working to support companion animals and/or Ohio wildlife to apply.

An old apartment building in Akron was condemned, forcing tenants to evacuate abruptly and leaving three cats stranded inside for several days. Two cats belonged to tenants who no longer had stable housing, and the third owner couldn’t bring their cat to their new residence. With no way to re-enter and care for the animals, their situation grew urgent. After multiple rescue attempts failed, Channel 19 News put out a plea for help. That’s when Crystal Riggi of Riggi Rescue stepped in. Clyde was later reunited with his mom, Ember was transferred to Forever Friends Foundation and adopted on 4/4, and Leo is currently recovering with Riggi Rescue, awaiting dental care before he’s ready for adoption.

Massachusetts has officially banned the practice of cat declawing, marking a significant victory for animal advocates who have long argued against the procedure’s inhumane nature. Governor Maura Healey signed the bill into law on January 10, 2025, making Massachusetts the third state in the U.S. to outlaw declawing, following New York and Maryland.