HUMANE EDUCATION & OUTREACH 

During 2014, the Ohio SPCA more than doubled outreach across the state. Through co-sponsoring events with local humane societies and attending numerous community parades, festivals, and adoption fairs, hundreds of people have been reached with the message that we must be a compassionate society to all animals. Ohio Animal Week, sponsored by the Ohio SPCA, celebrated the human-animal bond as events and activities were held by rescue groups, educators, and shelters across Ohio. Adults and children were educated through classroom presentations, public events, and animal abuse classes such as Humane Law 101 and Horse Care 101. 

The Ohio SPCA Response team has been on-the-ground with county law enforcement departments, dog wardens, and county humane officers in order to rescue hundreds of abused and neglected animals in small and large-scale cruelty cases. County humane society programs have been strengthened through the training and support of humane officers and animal cruelty investigators. Animal cruelty reports can be filed online or by phone 365 days a year. As a result, the Ohio SPCA is able to refer individuals to the appropriate agency or take direct action when needed. When animal cruelty is ignored or officials need help, the Ohio SPCA intervenes and provides services free of charge.

HUMANE ANIMAL REFORM & CAMPAIGNS

During 2014, the Ohio SPCA has fought many battles on behalf of animals. Working to make Ohio a no-gassing state, our End of Gassing Campaign continued. The sweetest victory came in July when the appeals court handed down a landmark decision in our lawsuit against Hocking County and the gassing of dogs ended! In October, under threat of a lawsuit, the Carroll County Commissioners agreed to dismantle and remove their gas chamber! We are now on the backstretch with Erie and Perry Counties under fire. 

The Ohio SPCA also investigated inhumane treatment at the Belmont and Gallia County Animal Shelters. Unfortunately, the Belmont County prosecutor chose not to take action against employees for violating the Ohio Revised Code or file charges of animal cruelty. However, those investigated were forced to leave BCARL. In September, the Belmont County Commissioners decided not to renew the contract with BCARL and the county commissioners are now in direct control of the shelter. Many improvements are taking place.

When the Gallia County dog wardens killed 12 dogs by heartsick on February 14, 2014, the Ohio SPCA obtained the bodies of the dogs and had them necropsied at OSU Veterinary Hospital. Two of the three dog wardens were charged with animal cruelty and found guilty. The case against the third dog warden, Jason Harris, has been heard by the judge, but no verdict has been handed down at this time.

Our goal through reform is for every county to be the best they can be when it comes to helping animals.

2014 has come to an end, but animal abuse will continue. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help the Ohio SPCA rescue and care for abused animals. We need you on our team in 2015!

One-time or monthly donations can be made HERE or in the mail: Ohio SPCA P.O. Box 546 Grove City, Ohio 43123