For years, Steffen Baldwin was seen as a hero in the animal rescue world—a self-proclaimed “dog whisperer” who claimed to rehabilitate the unadoptable, the aggressive, and the misunderstood. He built a public persona based on compassion, gaining the trust of shelters, rescue groups, and dog lovers across the country. But behind the carefully curated image was a deeply disturbing truth: Baldwin was not saving dogs. He was killing them.

The city of Campbell, Ohio, is making it clear: illegal and unethical animal breeding will no longer be tolerated. In a powerful move during Wednesday’s regular council meeting, Council President George Levendis delivered a message to those engaging in improper breeding practices: “It’s going to stop.”

The benefits for our pets themselves are somewhat obvious. But Pet Planning also benefits people and communities and can save money in the long run. Pets are considered property under the law, similar to your furniture. As you can imagine, laws that control what happens to your furniture if you die or become unable to live in your home aren’t very good fits for pets!

In a major operation spanning 48 hours, hundreds of roosters were freed from the brutal world of cockfighting in Huron and Lorain Counties. Humane agents, alongside local animal rescue organizations, worked tirelessly to dismantle three illegal cockfighting rings, bringing an end to the suffering of these exploited birds.

In a heartwarming yet heartbreaking rescue mission, Operation Saves, a Toledo-based animal rescue, has taken in more than a dozen dogs saved from a puppy mill. The conditions these dogs endured were described as appalling, but thanks to the dedication and compassion of rescuers, they are now on their way to a better life.

Viewed as a nuisance species, coyote hunting and trapping is legal year round in Ohio. Oftentimes hunting is legalized and allowed under the concept of population control. Primarily this takes place through weekend long wildlife killing contests (WKC), where hundreds of coyotes are inhumanely killed for cash prizes. 

The holiday season is a time for love, giving, and togetherness, and this past Christmas, the Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC) embodied that spirit in an extraordinary way. Under the leadership of Executive Director Janna Cassidy, the shelter successfully placed 99 dogs into foster homes over the holidays, turning what is often a challenging time for shelter animals into a season of warmth and hope.

This month, as our Humane Education Resource of the Month, we are excited to highlight an exceptional resource that aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering compassion and understanding towards animals: Coyote’s Wild Home, by Barbara Kingsolver (2023 Pulitzer Prize Winner in fiction; 2000 National Humanities Medal winner) and Barbara’s daughter, Lily Kingsolver (American ecologist and author), with illustrations by Paul Mirocha. Published in 2023 to extremely positive reviews, this 32-page picture book offers two intertwined stories that describe the adventures of a young coyote pup and a girl named Diana, both embarking on their first journeys into the Appalachian wilderness. 

SmileHub, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting donors with charities, conducted an extensive analysis of wildlife protection across all 50 states. The study assessed 17 key metrics, including the number of animal and environmental protection agencies per capita, the strength of wildlife protection laws, and the presence of wildlife-focused charities. Each state was given a score on a 100-point scale, with higher numbers indicating stronger wildlife protections.

Pet Planning is estate planning for animals and the people who love them.  It involves planning and preparing in advance to meet the needs of both pets and pet people.  Pet Planning can be used to protect and provide for your animals if you die or become permanently unable to care for them.  It can also help you protect your pet and your own relationship with your pet if you become incapacitated or need assistance as you age.

The connection between animal abuse and domestic violence is undeniable, yet often overlooked. Research consistently shows that those who harm animals are frequently also perpetrators of violence in human relationships. The two forms of abuse are inextricably linked, each feeding off the other, forming a cycle of control, fear, and manipulation. If we are to address domestic violence effectively, we must confront animal cruelty as a critical part of the problem.

Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) recognizes outstanding individuals who dedicate their careers to fighting animal cruelty and advocating for stronger protections for animals. As part of National Justice for Animals Week 2025 (February 24-28), we are thrilled to celebrate Dr. González as one of ALDF’s Top Animal Defenders!