What if your old clothes, vintage finds, or unused household items could directly support lifesaving work for cats? That’s exactly what’s happening in Canton, Ohio.

In a recent conversation with Ohio Animal Advocates, Chris Riggi of Riggi Rescue shared how their newly launched resale shop, CLAWS (Cats’ Lives Are Worth Saving), is doing more than just raising funds. It’s building community, creating sustainability, and fueling Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts on the ground.

In a dramatic turn of events, a proposed bill that could have significantly weakened the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was pulled from consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives just before a scheduled vote.

The decision followed widespread opposition from lawmakers, conservation groups, and the public, highlighting the continued importance of strong federal protections for wildlife.

In a significant step forward for both animal protection and community well-being, Paraguay has officially mandated the inclusion of animal welfare education in primary and secondary school curriculums.

Through the passage of Law 7513/25, the Paraguayan government is embedding compassion, responsibility, and humane values directly into the education system, reaching students at a formative stage of life.

At Ohio Animal Advocates, our board members bring a powerful mix of lived experience, professional expertise, and passion for animals. We sat down with Chris Riggi to talk about his journey, from grassroots rescue work to legislative advocacy, and how he’s working to create lasting change for animals across Ohio.

A significant shift may be underway in how drugs are developed in the United States. One that could reduce reliance on animal testing while improving outcomes for people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a draft guidance for industry titled “General Considerations for the Use of New Approach Methodologies in Drug Development.” This guidance signals growing federal support for alternatives to traditional animal testing.

Ohio has an opportunity to take a critical step forward in protecting animals and communities by strengthening penalties for one of the most disturbing forms of abuse: bestiality.

Senate Bill 393 would increase the penalty for bestiality from a misdemeanor to a felony, recognizing the severity of these acts and ensuring stronger accountability for offenders.

Across Ohio and the country, community cats are a visible, and often misunderstood, part of our neighborhoods. These cats didn’t appear overnight. They are the result of unsterilized populations, gaps in access to spay/neuter services, and a lack of coordinated community response.

When people step in to help by feeding outdoor cats, it can spark debate. But the truth is, feeding is only one piece of a much larger picture.

For decades, the legal system has treated pets as property, no different than a couch or a car. But anyone who has loved an animal knows that couldn’t be further from the truth. Now, a new bill in Colorado is challenging that outdated framework, and it could signal a major shift in how the law views animals, families, and safety.

For survivors of domestic violence, leaving an unsafe situation is never simple. It’s not just about packing a bag and finding shelter. It’s about making impossible decisions. For some, that decision includes leaving behind a beloved animal.

We often talk about the bond between people and their pets—dogs, cats, and small companions—but what about those whose companions weigh over 1,000 pounds?

What happens when safety means figuring out how to protect a horse?

Advocates, animal lovers, and community members gathered in protest following the tragic death of Orelha, a beloved community dog from Brazil whose story has sparked outrage around the world. What happened in New York wasn’t just a demonstration. It was part of a growing, global demand for accountability in cases of animal cruelty.

A recent case in North Royalton is a stark reminder that animal cruelty doesn’t always happen out in the open and when it does surface, it often reveals a much deeper issue. A video circulating on social media shows a dog walker striking a dog named Smokey with a leash and aggressively pulling her during a walk. The footage is difficult to watch. Smokey appears visibly terrified, and for her guardian, the experience was both shocking and heartbreaking.

Starting in 2026, taxpayers who use the standard deduction can claim an income tax deduction for gifts to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.  You no longer need to be part of the 10% of taxpayers who itemize income tax deductions to take advantage of your charitable gifts on your income tax returns.  If you are one of the roughly 90% of taxpayers who use the standard deduction, you can claim an additional “above-the-line” deduction for your charitable contributions.  All taxpayers can lower their income tax bill by supporting their favorite charities.