According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund ( ALDF ) the State of Kentucky has the infamous distinction of having the WEAKEST animal protection laws in the nation.

The reasons for this distinction.

Felony provision available only for cruelty against select animals.  No felony provisions for extreme neglect or abandonment.  Inadequate definitions/standards of basic care. Principal protections apply only to select types of animals.  No mental health evaluations or counseling for offenders. No cost mitigation & recovery provisions for impounded animals (e.g. cost-of-care bonds, other reimbursement of costs, liens, restitution provisions) No forfeiture of abused animals. No restrictions on future ownership or possession of animals following a conviction. Veterinarians are prohibited from reporting suspected cruelty or fighting. No provisions for select non-animal-related agencies/professionals to report suspected animal abuse. Inadequate humane agent provisions and no duty of peace officers to enforce animal protection laws. No statutory authority to allow protective orders to include animals. Inadequate animal fighting provisions.

We cannot continue to look the other way. We need the laws to improve drastically for better outcomes for animals and the people who care about them.  For more legislative information and to read what some legislators have to say, click the link. 

 http://www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Kentucky_worst_in_nation_at_fighting_animal_abuse_138760019.html