Behind every statistic about domestic violence is a real person — someone who should still be here. In Ohio, those numbers are climbing, and the trend is deeply alarming.

New data shows that domestic violence–related fatalities across the state have nearly doubled over the past decade. In 2016, Ohio recorded 81 deaths connected to domestic violence. By 2025, that number had risen to 157 — a devastating increase that reflects both systemic failures and growing risks for survivors.

Shelter overpopulation is often framed as an unavoidable reality of animal welfare work. In Getting to Zero: A Roadmap to Ending Shelter Overpopulation, Peter Marsh challenges that narrative head-on, arguing that overpopulation is not inevitable—it is the result of policy choices, resource allocation, and a failure to prioritize prevention.

Over the past decade, Ohio has witnessed a remarkable comeback of one of the nation’s most iconic species: the bald eagle. New data tracking verified active bald eagle nests from 2012 to 2025 shows steady, widespread growth across nearly the entire state—an encouraging sign that long-term conservation efforts are working.

At Ohio Animal Advocates, we love spotlighting the people and organizations who show up for animals in meaningful ways. One of those long-standing allies is Phil Arkow, coordinator of National LINK Coalition, an organization dedicated to understanding and addressing the connection between animal abuse and human violence.

Extreme winter weather can put lives at risk and for people with pets, accessing warmth and safety isn’t always simple. Recognizing this challenge, the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is stepping in to help.

During periods of dangerously cold weather, the shelter is providing free, short-term emergency boarding for dogs belonging to Franklin County residents who are entering local warming centers. This service ensures that people can seek shelter without worrying about the safety of their pets.

As spring approaches in Ohio, wildlife activity naturally increases. Animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and groundhogs begin searching for safe, sheltered places to nest—sometimes inside attics, decks, garages, or sheds.

That’s why Ohio Animal Advocates is pleased to highlight TLC Wildlife Management, Central Ohio’s only wildlife service provider offering exclusively non-lethal solutions for wildlife conflicts.

Cold weather doesn’t mean Trap-Neuter-Return has to stop. With the right preparation, winter can be a safe and effective time to continue helping community cats—often with fewer complications than during warmer months.

If you’re planning TNR during winter, a few thoughtful adjustments can make all the difference for the cats’ comfort and safety.

Nearly half of U.S. households have a dog—but many families don’t realize their puppy may have come from a commercial dog breeding operation known as a puppy mill.

Ohio Animal Advocates values your voice. Your feedback helps us strengthen our advocacy, improve transparency, and better serve animals across Ohio. We’ve launched our 2025 Constituent Feedback Survey to learn what’s working, what can improve, and which animal protection issues matter most to you.

A Bucyrus man has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to multiple counts of animal cruelty, underscoring both the seriousness of neglect cases and the importance of enforcement when animals are harmed.

The animal welfare community lost a true pioneer with the passing of Dr. W. Marvin Mackie, D.V.M., who died peacefully on September 23, 2025, at the age of 87. A veterinarian, teacher, innovator, and tireless advocate, Dr. Mackie’s work transformed the way spay/neuter services are delivered—and in doing so, saved the lives of countless animals.

Brigitte Bardot made one of the most consequential exits in modern celebrity history. At the height of her fame, she walked away from the spotlight entirely—not to reinvent herself, but to devote her life to animals.