Ohio Animal Advocates 11/2/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 11/2/26

Meet the Board: Matthew Pryor's Passion for Policy, Pets, and Protecting Animals

For Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA) Board Member Matthew Pryor, animal welfare is a mix of heart and law. A lifelong animal lover, Matthew is a civil litigation attorney who joined the Board to put his love of reading and understanding the law to work for animals, both by helping Ohioans understand the laws that affect them and by advocating for better ones.

Ohio Animal Advocates 10/22/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 10/22/26

Your Voice for Ohio’s Animals: Legislative Updates and How to Help

After summer recess, Ohio’s legislative session is back, and there are two legislative bills that OAA has been monitoring closely as they have a good chance of passing the finish line and being signed by the Governor! While SB 393 passed the Ohio Senate unanimously this summer and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, there is still work to be done in the House before it becomes law.

Ohio Animal Advocates 9/3/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 9/3/26

From the Front Lines to Advocacy: Meet OAA Board Member Scott Mills

Ohio Animal Advocates is excited to introduce Scott Mills, Chief Dog Warden and Humane Agent for Marion County in Ohio and a member of the OAA Board of Directors. Scott has spent more than a decade working directly in animal welfare and brings firsthand experience in humane enforcement, animal cruelty investigations, community resources and legislation to OAA.

Ohio Animal Advocates 7/14/26 Ohio Animal Advocates 7/14/26

Exciting Progress on Animal Welfare Legislation!

Take action for Ohio animals. Learn about H.B. 664, S.B. 232, and S.B. 393, including expanded veterinary care, stronger protections for puppies, and increased penalties for bestiality. Find out where each bill stands and how you can contact your Ohio legislators to support meaningful animal welfare reforms.

Ohio Animal Advocates 8/27/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 8/27/25

Ohio Attorney General Sues Former Service Dog Charity

On July 29, 2025, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against a now-defunct nonprofit and its former executive director, alleging that more than $25,000 in charitable donations were misused for personal expenses.

Ohio Animal Advocates 8/26/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 8/26/25

The PUPP Act: Keeping Families and Pets Together

Hundreds of thousands of Americans experience homelessness every year. For many, their greatest source of comfort and unconditional love is their pet. Sadly, too many unhoused individuals face a heartbreaking choice: seek shelter and give up their beloved companion—or remain on the streets together.

Ohio Animal Advocates 8/25/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 8/25/25

PETA Sues American Kennel Club Over Breed Standards

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has filed a lawsuit against the American Kennel Club, Inc. (AKC) in the Supreme Court for the State of New York, County of New York.

According to PETA’s complaint, the AKC’s Official Breed Standards for several popular breeds—including the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, and Chinese Shar-Pei—“provide blueprints for the breeding of deformed, unhealthy dogs and thus severely impede canine health and well-being.”

Ohio Animal Advocates 6/10/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 6/10/25

“My Dog is My Home”: Keeping Families Together Through Housing Insecurity

In a powerful episode of The Animal Welfare Junction podcast, host Dr. Michelle Gonzalez takes listeners inside the 10th Anniversary celebration of My Dog is My Home and Found House Interfaith Housing Network—two organizations leading the way in supporting people experiencing homelessness with their beloved pets.

Ohio Animal Advocates 5/16/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 5/16/25

Goshen Township Breeder Sentenced After Scamming Puppy Buyers

Justice is expected to be served for dozens of individuals—both human and canine—caught in a devastating puppy scam that spanned across Ohio and beyond.

On Thursday, April 24, April Waidman of Goshen Township will be sentenced in Mahoning County Court after pleading guilty to over 80 charges, including 45 felony theft counts. Waidman admitted to taking payments for puppies that customers never received, defrauding families across the country of more than $106,000.

Ohio Animal Advocates 5/12/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 5/12/25

Ohio Supreme Court Affirms Cruelty Protections for All Cats and Dogs

In a landmark decision, the Ohio Supreme Court has clarified that all cats and dogs—whether they live indoors, outdoors, are owned, stray, or community animals—are protected under Ohio’s felony cruelty laws.

The case arose after a man was convicted of felony animal cruelty against a cat. His defense argued that because the animal was not “kept” by a person, it did not qualify for protection under the law. The Court rejected that argument—setting a powerful precedent for animal protection across Ohio.

Ohio Animal Advocates 4/22/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 4/22/25

Peanut’s Legacy: A Beloved Squirrel Inspires Animal Welfare Legislation in New York

The heartbreaking story of “Peanut the Squirrel,” an Instagram-famous rescue squirrel, is sparking change in New York state law. Known for his charming personality and social media stardom, Peanut captured the hearts of thousands—but his unexpected death in 2024 has now ignited a movement to better protect animals in similar situations.

Ohio Animal Advocates 4/14/25 Ohio Animal Advocates 4/14/25

Ohio Debates New Euthanasia Law for Dogs Involved in Attacks: Why a Comprehensive Approach Matters

A new proposal at the Ohio Statehouse is sparking intense discussion among lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, and communities across the state. Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) is drafting legislation that would mandate euthanasia for dogs that seriously injure or kill a human during an unprovoked attack—removing judicial discretion that currently exists under Ohio law.