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.

If you’ve ever written off potato salad as heavy or one-note, this version might just change your mind. Packed with tangy pickled cucumbers, fresh dill, and plenty of crunch, it’s bright, flavorful, and anything but boring. By swapping in a creamy vegan mayo, this recipe becomes fully plant-based without losing that classic, comforting texture. It’s the kind of dish that feels just as at home at a summer cookout as it does as a fresh, veggie-forward side for dinner, proof that a few thoughtful ingredients can turn a familiar favorite into something truly special.

This month, we’re highlighting Evie is a Dog, NOT a Robot: Understanding Assistance Dogs by Jennifer Gravrok, a heartfelt and accessible story that gently reshapes how we think about assistance animals.

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.

A national effort is underway to help shape the future of wildlife conservation. Led by the Wildlife Management Institute and its partners, this initiative invites practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to weigh in on updated “Foundational Elements of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.” Through an open-access questionnaire, participants can review past policy statements, suggest updates, and contribute new ideas that reflect today’s challenges and opportunities. With responses collected anonymously and shared widely across networks, this is a unique opportunity to ensure diverse perspectives help guide conservation policy for years to come.

A recent house fire in Gustavus Township, Ohio brought emergency responders to the scene, but what was discovered inside highlighted something bigger than the fire itself.

Multiple animals were found on the property, including dogs, horses, and birds. While some animals did not survive, others were rescued and are now receiving care. As more details emerge, this case is expected to lead to further investigation and potential charges.

There’s a moment that happens for many people who care about animals. It’s the point where awareness shifts into something deeper—a realization that suffering isn’t distant or rare, but ongoing and often hidden within systems we don’t regularly question. A recent conversation on the Species Unite Podcast, featuring animal advocate Rose Patterson from Animal Rising, brings this tension into focus and invites a broader reflection on what it really means to take action.

A recent report from the Arizona Humane Society highlights a troubling trend: a significant increase in parvo cases, a deadly but preventable disease. This rise isn’t just a local issue. It reflects a broader shift that animal welfare professionals across the country are beginning to see.

In Episode 8 of Season One: State v. Steffen Baldwin from the Animal Welfare Junction Podcast, listeners are confronted with a deeply troubling, but critically important, reality: Animal cruelty is often not an isolated act. It’s part of a larger pattern of interpersonal violence.

Hosted by Dr. Michelle Gonzalez (Dr. G), board member of Ohio Animal Advocates, this episode explores how Steffen Baldwin used dogs as tools of manipulation and control over vulnerable individuals. And sadly, this case is not unique.

Ohio has long faced scrutiny for its commercial dog breeding industry. According to recent reporting, the state ranks second in the nation for violations at dog breeding facilities, a statistic that continues to raise serious concerns among animal welfare advocates.

In response, State Senator Casey Weinstein has introduced Senate Bill 232, a proposal aimed at strengthening oversight, improving animal care standards, and closing gaps in current law.

A newly filed lawsuit by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and trust in animal welfare organizations.

The case alleges that a nonprofit operating under the name Dogs to the Rescue misused charitable donations—diverting funds intended to help animals into a for-profit puppy-selling business.