March 2022
Welcome to our new eNews! This quarterly email, designed to keep you up to date on what's going on at the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation, is just one of the many new resources we are creating as part of our newly adopted 4-year strategic plan. To hear more about our strategic plan, be sure to attend our virtual annual meeting on March 30 (see below).
After many months of discussion and contemplation, the Ohio Fed Board of Directors recently approved the following updated mission and vision statements:
Mission: To promote the well-being and humane treatment of domestic animals throughout Ohio through education, advocacy, and professional resources for animal welfare professionals, elected officials and law enforcement. Vision: We envision a future where all animal welfare professionals, elected officials and law enforcement from across Ohio have the resources, education and support they need to ensure the well-being and humane treatment of domestic animals in their communities.
Our new mission and vision were used as a guide for drafting our 4-year strategic plan. We are excited by the direction we are heading, and hope you are too! |
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Senator Hottinger and Senator Yuko continue to move this critical piece of legislation forward. This version:
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- Ensures that existing law for animal protection is not weakened and preserves the first offense felony animal cruelty crime codified under Goddard’s Law.
- Classifies acts of cruelty to animals that meet the criteria for a fifth-degree felony under current law as violent crimes and gives judges the discretion to sentence prison time.
- Simplifies and clarifies the language in current Goddard’s Law with the hope that prosecutors who do not routinely handle these cases will find it easier to use and will be more likely to use it.
- Formally bans the use of the gas chamber for euthanizing companion animals in animal shelters in Ohio.
This bill received a 4th hearing in the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee in mid February. It is our hope that it will be voted out of committee and on to the House soon. Stay tuned!
Member Benefit: If members would like to receive legislative updates as they happen, please email ohiofedhs@gmail.com and ask to be added to the list for advocacy alerts. |
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The Ohio Animal Cruelty Law Enforcement Manual provides clear explanations, simple standards, and an easy reference for humane agents and other law enforcement officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. $30 + S/H Member Benefit: Members receive $10 off. Members can also download the Animal Law eBook, which is a PDF of the most commonly used animal statutes, including 959 and 955. |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
The following shelters and organizations joined Ohio Fed during the first quarter of 2022: |
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- Bella Run Equine
- Circle Area Humane Society
- Humane Society of Harrison County
- Huron County Dog Warden
- Lorain County Dog Kennel
- Miami County Dog Shelter
Click here for a list of all organizational members. |
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE FED Mike Retzlaff was named the official president and CEO of SPCA Cincinnati in January after serving as interim president and CEO for the previous 6 months. Happy trails to Kerry Manion, who retired as Chief Humane Agent at Columbus Humane after an amazing 40-year career there. Congratulations to Jessica Scott for being named the next Chief Humane Agent. Congratulations to the 25 agents-in-training who completed 34 hours of training and earned their Certificate of Completion during our January Humane Society Agent Training. Corey Roscoe, former Ohio State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, has been promoted to a new position as Director of Humane Policy Volunteer State Engagement. Corey will remain in Ohio; however, her new role will focus on national-level efforts. Do you have news to share? Click here to submit your news for the next issue. |
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March 23 - Protecting Pets & People from Zoonotic Disease
This webinar will focus on preventing diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people, potentially infecting shelter staff, volunteers, and adopters.
March 30 - Ohio Fed Virtual Annual Meeting
Join us for our year in review; an overview of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan; a legislative update; and our Board of Directors elections (members only).
June 6-10 - Humane Society Agent Training
Thirty-four hour training offered in compliance with OAC 109:2-15-02 using curriculum approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. |
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Other upcoming programs (details and registration coming soon):
April 20 - Standards of Care for Livestock
April 28 - What a Great Board Member Looks Like (From the Perspective of a Nonprofit Manager)
Member Benefit: Ohio Fed members receive discounted registration fees on all of our educational programs. |
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WANTED: YOUR BRIGHT IDEAS! Earlier this year we asked what educational topics you are most interested in. We heard you, and now we would like your help. If you have a tip, trick or bright idea pertaining to enhancing a foster program OR a community outreach program that you would be willing to share, we want to hear from you! Email your bright idea to ohiofedhs@gmail.com and you may be selected to present it during an upcoming webinar. |
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HELPFUL REMINDER FOR NONPROFITS |
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Is your nonprofit animal welfare organization working with or thinking about working with a professional solicitor for fundraising? If so, PLEASE be aware of your legal responsibilities when entering into these kinds of arrangements. Your organization could be civilly or even criminally liable for noncompliance with Ohio's charitable solicitation laws. Here are links to what you need to know:
Remember that professional solicitors need to be registered with the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Always ask for proof of this registration and verify it with the AG's Office. |
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