Once nearly wiped out from Ohio due to overtrapping in the 1800s, beavers are now reclaiming their role as essential architects of the state’s ecosystems. Known for their iconic dams and industrious nature, these resilient rodents are making a “dam” impressive comeback—and the environment is better for it.

Located in Marysville, Ohio, Sunrise Farm Sanctuary stands as a safe haven for farm animals once neglected, abused, or abandoned. Founded in 2001, the sanctuary has grown into a powerful voice for animal welfare thanks to the dedication of its founder, Mindy Mallett, and board members such as Sandy Horvath. Sandy has worked tirelessly to provide lifelong refuge to farmed and companion animals and wildlife, restoring their dignity and allowing them to live in peace.

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.

We’re thrilled to announce that Ohio Animal Advocates has been awarded the Gold Seal of Transparency by Candid (formerly GuideStar)! This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to openness, accountability, and trust—and it’s a testament to YOU, our incredible community of supporters.

The bald eagle—America’s national bird and a symbol of strength and resilience—is thriving in the Buckeye State. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), there are now 964 confirmed active bald eagle nests across 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties, marking a 36% increase since the last statewide census in 2020.

We are excited to announce our new policy area on equines! Ohio Animal Advocates is dedicated to championing a higher standard of well-being for all equines. Our equine advocacy page aims to educate Ohioans on some of the most prevalent issues facing horses and other equines, including horse racing, soring and performance-enhancing drugs, horse slaughter, wild horse helicopter round-ups, and horse-drawn carriages. Read more about these topics here!

It seems every month we hear about horrific cruelty to animals in the media in Ohio this year. From an ESA cat freezing to death on Summit Lake to more than a hundred farm animals being hoarded by a veterinarian in Sandusky, animal cruelty must be stopped. 

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.

In a tragic and deeply disturbing case out of Ashland County, Ohio, justice has been served following the sentencing of a woman who allowed a dog to maul her handcuffed six-year-old son.

A major milestone in the fight against government-funded animal testing was achieved this month as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially shut down its last in-house dog lab. The closure comes after nearly a decade of relentless advocacy from White Coat Waste Project (WCW), a watchdog organization known for exposing and challenging taxpayer-funded animal experiments.