BOARDMAN - The Animal Charity of Ohio hosted an adoption event in Boardman Saturday morning to allow potential owners to see dogs and cats available for adoption. 

Over 60 individuals visited the facility, according to the Animal Charity of Ohio.

Two animals were adopted, and at least 17 applications were submitted for a future adoption.

Board President Jenny Felvey says many of the dogs and cats at the shelter come from situations of abuse.

"These guys often have never had a loving home, so it brings us so much joy for them to be able to go into a home," she said.

The Animal Charity of Ohio is a non-profit humane society based in the Mahoning Valley.

The shelter receives more animals during the wintertime.

"Because of the temperatures, our agent is out looking for animals being kept out, needing to be brought in, not having adequate shelter," she said.

Falvey adds that Ohio's animal welfare laws are insufficient and more is needed to protect household pets.

"There needs to be stricter punishment, there needs to be a tighter regulation of what is acceptable in terms of housing and sheltering," she said.

The Animal Charity added a full-time veterinarian to provide affordable veterinary care for owners and their pets.

The organization also launched Vets with Pets and Charlie's WISH, programs that help veterans and senior citizens respectively keep their pets at home as an alternative to surrender if the owner is unable to care for their pet alone.

The Animal Charity of Ohio will expand its adoption hours in February to increase adoption rates.