Ohio's Leading Voice for the Animals
GET TO KNOW US!
THE OHIO SPCA
Every humane organization dreams of the day when cruelty to animals can be reduced to the point of elimination. The OHIO SPCA (formerly known as the Ohio Humane Education Association) was formed in 1983 to help bring this dream to reality through humane education.
The Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals works to prevent and stop cruelty to animals throughout Ohio. Our mission falls into three main areas: 1) intervention in cases of animal cruelty, 2) animal rehabilitation, and 3) rural county reform. For the past ten years the OHIO SPCA has been bringing reform to rural county pounds. As a result, the use of bullets, engine exhaust, gas boxes, and gas chambers has ended in all Ohio counties. Our intervention has resulted in proactive adoption procedures, proper cleaning, spay/neuter programs, and humane euthanasia. Thousands of lives have been saved. Our work in this area is ongoing. The Ohio SPCA is the leading statewide organization for rescuing animals other than just dogs and cats. There are nearly 200 horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks, and chickens in our care at any given time. Animals not adopted remain with us due to age or special needs. We pride ourselves in providing the best of care. With us, their bodies and spirits are made strong again.
OHIO SPCA GOALS
* To extend to present and future generations humane education, which will lead to an awareness of the need for people to be responsible and kind stewards over animals.
* To intercede on behalf of animals and bring about change to situations and practices in which cruelty, neglect, or suffering exists.
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Animal Cruelty Investigation
and Rescue
Working in collaboration with county law enforcement officials, the Ohio SPCA Response Team investigates and removes hundreds of companion and farm animals suffering in life-threatening situations varying from a single horse starving in a pasture to large-scale cruelty cases such as puppy mills and hoarding situations. Our team is comprised of certified humane agents, trained investigators, law enforcement officers, and veterinarians. Animals are photographed, removed from the property, and then transported to safety. Veterinarians provide immediate assessment and medical treatment during and/or after the removal of animals. In borderline cases, our cruelty investigators work with families in an effort to educate them on proper animal care, so animals can remain in their homes.
Animal Rehabilitation
and Adoption
Once an animal is rescued by the Ohio SPCA, the road to recovery begins. Animals are examined by veterinarians and provided with immediate medical care. From the tiny dove to the big bovine, animals are given a second chance in life. Many of the animals are in such poor condition that they must be hospitalized for varying lengths of time. Animals are then transported to the Ohio SPCA shelter or placed in foster homes or on privately-owned farms where they are given the love and care they have always deserved. Rehabilitation can take weeks or months! Once an animal is healthy again, they are ready to be adopted. We carefully screen prospective homes through adoption applications and home visits. A legally binding contract ensures that the animal is never sold, given away, or sent to auction. There is no time limit on adoption and animals, regardless of age or special needs, can remain in the care of the Ohio SPCA for the remainder of their lives.
Humane Education
Humane education is the key to creating a kinder world for animals and people. Based on this belief, the Ohio SPCA provides a body of knowledge for children and adults through classroom presentations, animal cruelty seminars, public events, and educational materials in order to bring awareness of animal issues. Through education, people of all ages can learn the critical values of compassion, respect, and empathy. Empowered with awareness and understanding, children and adults learn to live with reverence and how to become responsible and kind stewards over animals.
Ohio County Shelter Reform
For over a decade, the Ohio SPCA has been working hard to bring reform to county dog shelters and pounds. After discovering that many county-run shelters were inhumanely euthanizing animals and that conditions were substandard, the Ohio SPCA made it a priority to bring change and improvements. As a result, the use of guns, engine exhaust, homemade gas boxes, and chambers as a means of euthanasia ended and euthanasia by injection was approved by county officials. Our intervention and communication with county commissioners and dog wardens continue to bring change in operational procedures and proactive adoption practices. Many county shelters now have extended hours, volunteer groups, and spay/neuter programs. Our ultimate goal is to help every county work to solve the heartbreaking reality of pet over-population and unwanted animals.
Equine Rescue Program
Horse abuse and neglect are rampant in many Ohio counties. Due to the lack of resources and funding for large animals, many rural county humane societies and law enforcement agencies have reached out to the Ohio SPCA. Whenever possible, our investigators will work with horse owners in an attempt to improve the health and environment for equines. Temporary feed assistance is often provided to families in times of hardship. When possible solutions fail or horses are in immediate danger of dying, the Ohio SPCA is quick to act. Our Equine Rescue Program is designed to assist county officials in the investigation, prosecution, transport, and rehabilitation of abused equines. Our services have relieved many county agencies of the financial burden involved in large animal abuse cases. Approximately 60 to 75 horses are rehabilitated through this program each year. This number is expected to grow. When the rehabilitation process is completed, horses are put up for adoption.
Ohio Humane Outreach
Partnering Program
Ohio Humane Outreach Partnering Program (Ohio HOPP) is the formal statewide partnership between Ohio SPCA and other agencies across the state. Our animal cruelty investigators and response team have been on the ground working with county law enforcement and/or humane society officials in small and large-scale cases of animal cruelty for over a decade. By providing animal cruelty investigators to counties without a humane society, or an underfunded humane society, the Ohio SPCA has bridged the gap in overwhelming situations. As a result, lines of communication have been created and partnerships built. Through forming a statewide partnership of Ohio law enforcement and animal shelter officials, county agencies have access to materials, resources, and assistance that extends beyond their borders in order to help more animals and more people. The way we help animals will be ever-evolving as we work together through a commitment to end cruelty to animals and the needless loss of life.
.jpeg)
More of our work for the animals...
Those of us involved in Ohio SPCA believe that many people are unaware of inhumane practices and the suffering that many animals are forced to endure. No one likes to talk about pain, suffering, and death, but change can’t take place unless the facts are presented to the public. Adults and children must be educated about problems such as pet overpopulation, factory farming, and animal experimentation. Once they know and understand what has been hidden from them, a percentage of these people will at least speak out against the inhumanity or actively decide to help.