In December 2024, the death of a fur farmer in Ashtabula County, Ohio, exposed a horrific animal welfare crisis at an unregulated fur and urine farm. Over 400 wild animals, including foxes, coyotes, and skunks, were found trapped in inhumane conditions, bred for fur and bodily waste, with no government oversight due to Ohio's inadequate laws.

ATHENS, Ohio – Scott McCall, 54, of Nelsonville, Ohio was arrested on December 21, 2024, for a superseding indictment charging Cruelty to Companion Animals, a felony of the fifth degree and Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the third degree. McCall is accused of shooting a dog with a pellet gun, ultimately causing the death of the animal.  McCall is further accused of tying items to the animal and discarding of its remains in a pond in an attempt to conceal the death of the animal.

As we welcome the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the difference we’ve made for animals and the opportunities ahead to create an even brighter future for them. At Ohio Animal Advocates, we’re filled with gratitude for your support and the compassion you’ve shown throughout the past year. Together, we’ve worked to ensure animals across Ohio receive the love, care, and protection they deserve.

The holiday season is a time of giving, love, and togetherness—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the joy that animals bring to our lives and how we can give back to them. OAA invites you to join us in making a difference for animals across Ohio this holiday season.

After decades of advocacy and a hard-fought legal battle, 23 chimpanzees owned by the U.S. government will finally retire to the lush sanctuary of Chimp Haven. These chimpanzees, who endured years of painful biomedical experiments, will now experience the freedom and care they deserve.

Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to highlight an incredible milestone for The Cocoon—a new outdoor Dog Run that enhances their emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This vital addition reflects The Cocoon’s dedication to providing trauma-informed, safe spaces where survivors can begin their healing journey without being separated from their beloved companion animals.

Every year, thousands of animals—including dogs and monkeys—are used in research laboratories. In 2024 alone, countless animals endured lives of confinement and experiments, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ohio Animal Advocates stands alongside other leading agencies, including the National Anti-Vivisection Society and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in our fundamental belief that the future of science is humane. By promoting innovative alternatives to animal testing, we are paving the way for research methods that are not only more ethical but also more effective.

Check out the latest episode of the Animal Welfare Junction Podcast! In this episode, OAA board member Dr. G welcomes Kathleen Wood, Esq., Senior Staff Attorney for the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF). They dive into the 2023 ALDF State Animal Protection Ranking Report, exploring its purpose, key findings, and how this vital document can help advance animal protection laws across the country. You can also learn how Ohio has improved its ranking in recent years as well.

Join us for a FREE in-person training on Advanced Animal Cruelty Investigations + Evidence Collection hosted by Pike County Sheriff's Office, Pike Pet Pals, Waverly Police Department, and The Humane Society of the United States.