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Meet the Board: Reese Albright's Passion for Animal Welfare and Advocacy
For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Reese Albright, animal welfare is about more than protecting animals. It's about building stronger communities, advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, and working together to create lasting change. Based in Cleveland, Reese is an estate planning attorney who brings a unique perspective to animal advocacy.
Ohio Animal Foundation's Tackle Pet Hunger Campaign Helps Keep Pets and Families Together
For many families across central Ohio, rising living expenses and financial hardship can make it difficult to afford everyday necessities, including food for their pets. According to a report from the United Way of Central Ohio, nearly 40% of Ohio households fall below the ALICE threshold, which includes families living in poverty and working households struggling to make ends meet.
Virginia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Torturing Cats in Online Donation Scheme
A Virginia man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to animal cruelty and computer fraud charges involving the torture of cats to solicit donations through social media. According to Courthouse News Service, Rodney Travis Jr., 27, intentionally injured cats and falsely portrayed them as suffering from serious illnesses, including cancer, on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Miami County Animal Boarding Facility Ordered to Close for Five Years Following Dog's Death
Miami County animal boarding facility has been ordered to close for at least five years after a dog was attacked and killed while in its care. According to a Sept 22 report from the Dayton Daily News, Destinee C. Javier, owner and operator of Back to Eden Animal Boarding in Monroe Township, pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty following an investigation by the Miami County Animal Shelter.
OAA Book of the Month - Denali’s New Life
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and OAA knows domestic violence affects animals too. This month’s book, Denali’s New Life, written by Karey Burek, PhD, and the Animal Welfare Institute, highlights a book that follows the true story of a dog named Denali, a dog that was severely impacted by domestic violence but found a new lease on life.
Family Dog Travels 2,300 Miles, then Separated from Owners Following Immigration Detention
After traveling 2,300 miles with his family from Venezuela to the United States, a beloved dog named Simba is facing another heartbreaking separation. In 2022, Yurimar, her husband, their three children, and Simba traveled through Colombia, Central America, and Mexico, including the dangerous Darién Gap, seeking political asylum in the U.S. Determined to keep their dog with them.
From the Exam Room to the Statehouse: Dr. G's Fight for Animals
From investigating animal cruelty cases to expanding access to veterinary care, Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez, or Dr. G, is dedicated to making a difference for animals across Ohio. As both a practicing veterinarian and a forensic veterinarian, Dr. G has witnessed firsthand the challenges animals face, from neglect and cruelty to limited access to affordable veterinary care.
Scratching Is Normal: Here’s How to Protect Your Furniture
Scratching is a normal part of being a cat, even when your furniture would prefer otherwise. Our partners at Give Them Ten and Scooter the Neutered Cat recently shared helpful tips for understanding why cats scratch and how cat owners can redirect the behavior to more appropriate places.
OAA Book of the Month - Nobody’s Cats: How One Little Black Kitty Came in From the Cold
Colder temperatures are around the corner, OAA knows how difficult it can be to see cats outdoors and wonder what you can do to help. That’s why we are highlighting a book that introduces young readers to community cats and how we can best support them through teamwork and education. Read about Nobody’s Cats: How One Little Black Kitty Came in From the Cold by Valerie Ingram and Alistair Schroff.
OAA Book of the Month - Community Cats: A Journey Into the World of Feral Cats
Community cats. Some people love them, while others may not understand them or why they’re here. As the seasons change and concerns about outdoor animals grow, OAA wanted to highlight a book for adult readers that takes a closer look at community cats through one person’s journey into TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return), backed by research and real-world experience.
Who Decides When a Pet Is Unsafe? Skid Row Debate Raises Questions About Animals & Homelessness
A debate in Los Angeles is raising difficult questions about animal welfare, homelessness, and how communities distinguish legitimate concerns about an animal’s well-being from assumptions based on a person’s housing status. Recent reporting and claims from some animal advocates have raised concerns about the treatment of animals in Los Angeles’ Skid Row neighborhood.
The Animal Health Organization Faces Critical Staffing and Financial Challenges
The Animal Health Organization (TAHO) is facing a critical staffing and financial challenge that could impact access to veterinary care in its community. According to TAHO, the ongoing shortage of veterinarians has significantly affected both its staffing capacity and revenue, putting the organization in a precarious financial position.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela
