OHIO
We strive to advance protections for wildlife and all animals in Ohio
What We Do
As Ohioans, we can all find common ground in the fight against animal cruelty. Whether you’re passionate about ensuring the well-being of companion animals, want to advocate for more ethical farming practices, or wish to protect and preserve Ohio’s wildlife species, we are here to help! We aim to coordinate and implement these intentions by turning them into practical, bipartisan legislation. Whatever your background, we can all unite in our shared compassion for innocent beings.
Our goal is to raise awareness, build community, and amplify the voice of Ohio citizens on these important issues through collaboration with state organizations and officials. We do this by:
- Engaging in outreach across the state to foster connections between groups and individuals and their legislators to advance animal protection laws.
- Meeting with Ohio representatives and agencies to create a clear and effective legislative agenda that reflects the public’s interest in animal welfare issues.
- Spreading information about our local, state, and federal legislative priorities.
- Creating partnerships with advocacy groups who will help to develop, support, and further animal welfare legislation in Ohio.
- Speaking out against current legislation that harms animals and proposed legislation that threatens animals.
- Providing the public with essential education about the impact animal welfare policies have on not only animals but our fellow humans.
Our State Director
Rachel Stupak
Rachel has served as Animal Wellness Action’s Ohio State Director since 2023. However, her love for animals and dedication to protecting them have always been the driving forces of her life. Rachel has a bachelor of science in psychology from West Liberty University, where she received a full academic scholarship that culminated in her graduating with the highest honor. Her over five years of experience in social work and child advocacy with small non-profit organizations emphasizes her passion for supporting and defending the most vulnerable.
A lifelong resident of Ohio, Rachel has a deep respect and appreciation for the state’s unique wildlife and landscape. She resides in a small rural part of the state, where she can enjoy the picturesque forests and streams with her two companion animals, which she adopted from local shelters.
Want to learn more or get involved with Animal Wellness Action in Ohio? Email RachelS@animalwellnessaction.org
TOP PRIORITIES For OHIO
As a key swing state, Ohio has the opportunity to lead on animal welfare issues. By working together, we can demonstrate to our elected representatives — and lawmakers across the country — that protecting animals is a bipartisan priority.
One of the most pressing concerns is the mistreatment of companion animals. Research consistently shows a strong link between animal cruelty and other violent crimes, including domestic violence and child abuse. In fact, studies reveal that animal abuse is present in 88% of homes where physical child abuse is investigated. Children who witness animal cruelty are not only at greater risk of being abused themselves but are also more likely to engage in violent behavior later in life.
To break this cycle of violence, Ohio must strengthen its laws by imposing stricter penalties on those who commit cruelty against companion animals. This includes prohibiting felony animal abusers from owning pets and ensuring repeat offenders face harsher consequences.
Increase Penalties for Companion Animal Cruelty (OH SB64)
This bill aims to strengthen Ohio’s animal cruelty laws by implementing stricter penalties for offenders. Key provisions include:
- Prohibiting convicted felony animal abusers from owning, possessing, or residing with companion animals for at least three years after their release, with some facing longer or even lifetime bans.
- Upgrading certain misdemeanor offenses to felonies to ensure more serious consequences for acts of cruelty.
- Introducing harsher penalties for repeat offenders to prevent ongoing abuse.
By supporting OH SB 64, we can help protect vulnerable animals and hold abusers accountable. Now is the time to take action and make Ohio a leader in animal welfare.
What You Can Do Now
- Meet with your legislators. Let your state legislators know that animal welfare matters to you as their constituent. Find your legislators here. We’re happy to assist with questions.
- Raise awareness. Submit letters to your local newspapers and media outlets regarding animal welfare issues. Share information on your social media and to friends, family, and your community.
- Support our Ohio initiatives and national campaigns here.
