We’re excited to introduce Laura J. Martin, Esq., a new member of the Ohio Animal Advocates Board. With a background in animal law, advocacy, and lifelong experience working with animals, Martin brings a thoughtful, systems-focused perspective to OAA’s mission. In this Q&A, she shares what drew her to the board, the issues she’s most passionate about, and her hopes for the future of animal protection in Ohio.

New Hampshire has taken an important step toward stronger wildlife protection and accountability.

Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed House Bill 655 into law, increasing penalties for hunting and fishing violations across the state. The legislation reflects a growing recognition that wildlife laws are only meaningful when they are enforceable—and that repeat violations require serious consequences.

Project Coyote recently welcomed Ann Piquette as their new Development Operations Coordinator, and her story is a powerful reminder of why empathy remains at the heart of effective animal advocacy.

Long before Ann stepped into professional advocacy work, compassion shaped the way she understood the world. She grew up in a home where animals in need were never turned away. Injured strays, neglected pets, and displaced wildlife all found care—not because her family had formal training, but because responding to suffering felt nonnegotiable. Dogs and cats often became permanent family members, while wild animals were stabilized and returned to their natural environments, sometimes with support from wildlife rehabilitation professionals.

In January 2016, a small group of veterinary leaders gathered around a shared concern — and a shared responsibility to the profession, their patients, and the public.

The question before them was straightforward, but its implications were anything but: When should kittens be spayed or neutered to best protect their health while preventing unintended litters?

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.