ASHLAND — Animal advocates stood outside Ashland Municipal Court Tuesday to call for stronger oversight of Ohio’s dog breeders and better enforcement of animal welfare laws.
Members of B.A.R.K. for ALL and Passion & Purpose for Ohio’s Voiceless organized the protest at 1209 E. Main St. to draw attention to what they say are gaps in Ohio’s regulation of commercial dog breeding — and the state’s response to animal cruelty.
The groups want Ohio officials to hold breeders accountable, improve kennel inspections and have available funding to care for animals removed from unsafe conditions.
“If they were enforced, we wouldn’t be here today,” PPOV member Zaron Van Meter said.
The protest coincided with court proceedings involving Loudonville dog breeder Daniel Miller and defendant Ross Rutschilling. However, the animal advocates focused their message on state oversight and animal welfare reform rather than the individuals facing pending criminal charges.
Advocates demand accountability
Van Meter said advocates have spent years raising concerns about Ohio’s approach to commercial dog breeding. Van Meter argued that state officials missed opportunities to address problems before they escalated.
“There was a time and a place where, arguably, what we’re here for today could have been prevented had people in the right places done the right thing,” Van Meter said.
Ohio’s regulatory system allowed some breeders to operate through loopholes and avoid consequences for violations, according to Van Meter.
The advocates want the Ohio Department of Agriculture to enforce existing regulations and provide more oversight of licensed breeders. They also called for a separate Ohio Department of Companion Animals to focus on animal welfare.
The groups raised concerns about the cost of caring for dogs removed from breeding operations. Tammy Kendall from B.A.R.K. said licensed high-volume breeders must maintain insurance or a surety bond that can help pay for the care of seized dogs.
Under Ohio law, high-volume breeders must provide insurance or a surety bond to help cover the maintenance and care of dogs seized after a license suspension or revocation. The amount depends on the number of adult dogs a breeder keeps.
Kendall questioned why animal rescues and shelters still seek donations to cover those costs when the law provides for that financial protection.
“Instead, what’s happening now is taxpayers, and people are being asked for donations to pay for the care of these animals,” Kendall said.
The advocates also criticized what they described as limited opportunities for members of the public to ask questions at Ohio Department of Agriculture meetings. They want officials to communicate more openly with animal welfare advocates and the public.
Calling for stronger protection
The groups also pointed to Senate Bill 393, which they said would strengthen penalties for certain offenses involving sexual conduct with animals. Advocates urged lawmakers to advance legislation they believe would provide stronger protections.
Protest organizers asked participants to keep their signs focused on state accountability and puppy mill reform because criminal proceedings remain pending.
They encouraged people to report suspected neglect or potentially unlicensed breeding operations to local law enforcement. They also urged prospective pet owners to research breeders carefully and avoid buying puppies online without verifying their source.
Public awareness is still a priority for the animal rights groups, but they also want to find ways to strengthen enforcement and hold state officials accountable.
They want Ohio to enforce its laws, hold breeders accountable and give animals stronger protections before neglect and cruelty continue to be investigated.
