Latest news with #AnimalCharityofOhio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Animal Charity seeks government support to avoid cuts
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – It's been ten months since staff with Animal Charity started moving into their new shelter in Boardman and already there are more than 250 dogs, cats and other animals being housed there. 'We are inundated with animals coming into our facility, and those that need treated for medical issues,' said Jennifer Falvey, board president of Animal Charity of Ohio. But the problem dates back to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, more than 3,500 animals have been taken in by the agency. 'As the years have gone on, the animals that we're bringing in are in much worse condition and are requiring much more care,' said Jane MacMurchy, with Animal Charity of Ohio. Directors say they've already spent nearly $500,000 on animal care this year, the vast majority just for veterinary services, compared to $660,000 for all of last year. 'We're in this terrible position where the numbers are rising. The numbers are rising and now we've hit a wall,' MacMurchy said. It's forcing the agency to consider cuts in services and even layoffs among its staff of about 40 people. 'There is a point in which we have to look at our financial status to say what can we do,' Falvey said. Although humane agents say the problems of abuse and neglect of animals is only getting worse, they're hoping to avoid one potential option. 'We can't euthanize our way out of this. it's not going to solve the problem,' MacMurchy said. Many of Ohio's larger cities pay for animal control services. Youngstown does not. Animal Charity has been providing that for them for free for years. 'We are getting to a point where we simply cannot sustain at the level we're going without getting additional support,' Falvey said. Although directors will continue to appeal to the community for donations and other philanthropy, they say financial support from local governments is what they need the most. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Influencer ‘adopts' local rescue dog for awareness
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – It's a happy reunion that's been taking place each week this month. Cleveland-area social media influencer Joey Kinsley makes the 90-minute drive to Animal Charity in Boardman just to see Onyx. Onyx is nearly 9 years old and has been here since the summer of 2018 when his owner was arrested. That's longer than any other dog. Kinsley, who uses the name 'SirYacht' and has more than a million followers on his different platforms, said the story moved him to take action. 'About a month ago, I think, somebody sent me a message saying that Onyx has been here for a while,' Kinsley said. 'Instead of sitting back and not doing anything, I was like, why don't I just try to help out.' Each week, Kinsley and 76-pound Onyx spend their time playing, taking walks, and even stopping at Handel's for a pup cup. Their exploits are then shared with Kinsley's followers, as well as those of Animal Charity. 'I think, hopefully, it's bringing some awareness. Not just Onyx but to a lot of dogs and animals that need adoption,' Kinsley said. It's even helped the agency with donations of supplies, some coming with notes hoping Onyx can find a forever home soon. Donations of money are needed, too. 'We are truly struggling monetarily to make sure that all these animals are getting exactly what they need,' said Jan MacMurchy, with Animal Charity of Ohio. While Kinsley thinks about taking in Onyx himself, he plans to continue working to spread the message of adopting a new pet instead of shopping for one. 'I hope people realize the amazing things that go on here,' he said. In the meantime, Kinsley and Onyx have another playdate scheduled next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Animal Charity of Ohio looking for books to read to animals
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — Have books you don't want anymore? Animal Charity of Ohio could use them. The human society is seeking book donations of all reading levels to start up their Reading to Shelter Animals Program. Ashley Wagner with Animal Charity of Ohio says reading to animals is not only beneficial for animals, but the people reading to them, improving reading skills and promoting empathy. Wagner said reading to animals decreases stress and anxiety, increases socialization and chances for adoption. It also provides mental stimulation and prevents boredom, which can lead to negative behaviors. 'It's just another way to help the animals in our care, to relax, get more socialization skills,' Wagner said. 'And it's a way for the volunteers to be able to come in and interact with them as well.' Items can be dropped off at the shelter at 8469 Southern Boulevard Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer to read to animals, email volunteersofaco@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boardman junior showcases Animal Charity of Ohio
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – Boardman High School student Katelynn Erme chose the non-profit Animal Charity of Ohio for her written PSA entry in the Tom Holden Memorial Scholarship contest. The junior says she loves to read and write and enjoys extracurriculars. She is a female wrestler for Boardman High School, and also sings in Boardman's Project Mayhem. Katelynn's future plans are to become a teacher, and in particular, she wants to teach history at the high school level. Katelynn's love of animals drove her to choose Animal Charity of Ohio. 'I really enjoy Animal Charity of Ohio because they look to make animal care affordable and help put a stop to animal abuse, and spread awareness about the affordable animal care that they give,' said Katelynn. 'I actually volunteered for animal Charity of Ohio just last year, and I really enjoyed the mission that they have there and they're doing a lot of work to help the animals.' Katelynn was the fifth runner-up in the contest. Read her PSA script for Animal Charity of Ohio here: The commercial starts with a young woman paying for her groceries. She notices she is ten dollars short and must put back her dog's woman arrives home to her dog waiting at the door. She sighs upon seeing the dog, she just can not financially afford to support both of them drops the dog off at a nearby shelter. The dog watches her leave with a look of abandonmentNarrator: 'Each year Ohioans pay about $1,800 dollars to own a dog. For some of us, this financial burden is not an option. Animal Charity of Ohio seeks to help you. With affordable grooming, free pet food, and various other resources, Animal Charity of Ohio seeks to end the financial boundaries of companionship.'A video of dogs playing with their ownersNarrator: 'Don't let money get in the way of a long-lasting companionship. Animal Charity of Ohio is here to help you'Show an ending screen with Animal Charity of Ohio's information and location. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Cat rescued from commercial freezer in Youngstown
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The latest call for Animal Charity of Ohio took one of its agents to rescue a cat from a commercial freezer. Read next: Woman loses nearly $15,000 in bank card scam: Police Kali the cat was found in a locked freezer at a Youngstown gas station. It is now in safe hands at Animal Charity. Animal Charity believes the cat's owner is the same as the owner of a dog named Koda, which was shot in the neck and paralyzed. The dog was in the hospital for several days, and Animal Charity spent $15,000 saving her life. 'The investigation is looking into the fact that the animal was put into the freezer and abandoned there and also the safety aspect of an animal being shot and then not subsequently receiving veterinary care,' said Jane MacMurchy with Animal Charity. Animal Charity is taking donations to help meet those expenses. It's also hoping the owner of both animals will face criminal charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
