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Meet Erin Lawson: Ohio Animal Advocates' Operations Director
Ohio Animal Advocates is excited to introduce Erin Lawson, our Operations Director. After spending nearly a decade working directly with animals and the people who care for them, Erin has brought her experience to the policy side of animal welfare, where she's helping OAA expand its programs and advocacy efforts across Ohio.
Meet Our New John Glenn Intern: A Q&A with Maria Petkovic
Ohio Animal Advocates is excited to welcome Maria Petkovic as our new John Glenn College of Public Affairs intern! Before officially beginning her internship this fall through The Ohio State University's Ohio Government Internship Program. We sat down with Maria to learn more about her passion for animals, her interest in public policy, and what she's looking forward to during her time with OAA.
Q&A: Exploring Wildlife Fertility Control with Dr. Millie Schafer
For many, wildlife population management brings to mind hunting or culling. But around the world, researchers, wildlife managers, and advocates are increasingly exploring another option: fertility control. OAA spoke with Dr. Millie Schaefer, founder and executive director of Cincinnati Urban Deer Advocates, about the growing role of nonlethal wildlife management and what the future may hold.
New Return-to-Field Handbook Offers Practical Guidance for Shelters Helping Community Cats
Animal shelters across the country are continually seeking effective, humane ways to help cats while making the best use of limited resources. A newly updated Return-to-Field Handbook from Humane World for Animals, Neighborhood Cats, and Alley Cat Advocates provides a comprehensive roadmap for shelters looking to improve outcomes for community cats through return-to-field programs.
New Concerns Emerge About Enforcement of Ohio's Avery's Law
When Ohio lawmakers passed Avery's Law earlier this year, the legislation was widely praised for strengthening dangerous dog laws and increasing penalties when serious attacks occur. The bill was inspired by the tragic 2024 attack on 12-year-old Avery Russell, who suffered life-altering injuries after being attacked by two dogs during a playdate.
Cincinnati Researcher Awarded Grant to Create Human-Based Model to Study Neurodegenerative Diseases
An Ohio researcher was awarded a 2025 ARDF animal-free biomedical research grant for work in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Jason Tchieu at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is working to create a human pluripotent stem cell-derived model of the olfactory epithelium and olfactory sensory neurons.
Dayton Dog Trainer Sentenced to 15–19 Years in Prison After Probation Violation
A Dayton-area dog trainer previously convicted on dozens of animal cruelty and fraud-related charges has been sentenced to 15 to 19 years in prison after violating the terms of his probation. Jason Jones, owner of Dayton Dog Trainer LLC, was sentenced on June 9, 2026 after widespread attention across Ohio due to the large number of victims and the serious allegations involving companion animals.
Animal Torture Finally is a Felony in All 50 States
On May 11, 2026, Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa signed House File 2348 into law, raising torture of a companion animal to a Class D Felony on the first offense. Iowa is the 50th state to make this happen, following Mississippi who raised animal torture to an automatic felony in 2020.
Ohio Animal Foundation Launches 2026 "Celebrating Life with Animals" Photo Contest Fundraiser
Animal lovers across Ohio have a chance to show off their favorite pets while supporting programs that help animals throughout the state. Ohio Animal Foundation has launched its 2026 Celebrating Life with Animals Photo Contest annual fundraiser that combines adorable pet photos with meaningful support for animal welfare initiatives. The contest is open now, with voting through July 31, 2026.
Intelligent Bear in Japan Highlights Growing Human-Wildlife Conflicts
A recent incident in Fukushima, Japan has captured international attention after a bear injured four people, evaded capture, and reportedly escaped from a factory by opening a locked window from the inside. Local officials described the animal as "extremely intelligent" after it was observed turning on a water faucet to drink and apparently manipulating a window latch to escape confinement.
Ohio Senate Unanimously Votes to Pass Senate Bill 393: Help Support Strengthened Animal Protections as Bill Moves on to the House
Progress is being made in Ohio towards addressing bestiality, a violent and exploitative form of animal abuse that often results in death. Ohio Senate Bill 393, introduced in the 136th General Assembly, strengthens penalties for sexually oriented offenses involving juveniles and animals. The bill aims to modernize state laws to match federal standards and address emerging digital crimes.
ASPCA Announces Up to $14 Million in Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics
The ASPCA has announced that it will award up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics serving vulnerable animals throughout the United States. The funding is intended to help organizations address some of the most pressing challenges facing animal welfare today, including shelter capacity needs and the ongoing shortage of accessible spay/neuter services.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.”
— Nelson Mandela
