KY Animal Cruelty Laws: Behind the Times?
Written by Michelle Rauch   
Wednesday, 13 February 2008 19:42
Kentucky is among the worst of the worst when it comes to protecting the rights of animals, making it a great state to live if you are an abuser and one of the worst states to live if you are an animal.
The ranking was compiled by the Animal Legal Defense Fund.  It’s a one of a kind report in the nation which evaluates each state on the strength and comprehensiveness of their laws governing animal protection.
The best of the best : California, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Oregon.
Worst five: Kentucky, Arkansas, Alaska, North Dakota, Utah.
The violent beating of a Somerset dog named Romeo last summer that was caught on tape has thrown the issue into the public eye which is prompting lawmakers to act.
State Representative Stan Lee filed a bill known as “Romeo’s Law”.  It would make animal cruelty a felony, punishable up to five years in prison.
It is one of seven pieces of humane legislation being introduced in this general assembly and the most pieces of animal issues coming before lawmakers in one session.
HB 77 would require a person who either pleads guilty or is convicted of cruelty/ or abuse to forfeit their right of their animal.
SB 15 Expands the cruelty statutes to include all animals in abandonment and abuse cases as well as increase the penalty for killing or injuring them.
HB 42 Prohibits anyone who is convicted of cruelty and torture to own or possess the same species for two years.
HB 39 requires all animals who are adopted from shelters, humane societies etc. to be spay or neutered before they go home with their new owners.
Do you think Kentucky is behind the times when it comes to animal cruelty laws? Should it continue to be a misdemeanor or should people be treated as felons, sent to prison, and lose their ownership rights of pets?
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written by Goebel , October 23, 2008
The laws should be updated NOW with all the animal cruelty in KY.
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written by debbie for lincoln county kentucky , October 22, 2008
There is a lot of animal cruelty that goes unnoticed in lincoln county. I hate to say that about our county but it is true. I do not know if it is that no one has time to report the crime or if it is that no one cares what happens to these animals. I have had 4 cats that have come up missing from my home, so because of this I have become mad as hell. I have called all the people that I can to try to find my cats but still nothing. I want to leave it at this if I catch anyone hurting or abusing an animal no matter who they are I will report them to someone. I will fight for the ones that can not fight for themseleves
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written by angie from hyden,ky , July 02, 2008
alot of animal cruelty in leslie county with no one to report it to, or no one that cares. i wish someone that had some power to stop it would investigate. all you have to do is drive around and you see dogs chained 24/7 with little or no shelter nor food and water. i've seen little water with mold and worms swimming in it. the hurts creek area and wooten areas are some of the worst. dogs are chained up 24/7 under cliffs "large rocks", or on hillsides. some are covered with mange and fleas. the owners do not care, i've heard people say "its just the way things are around here. the owners never pet or love on them or show them any affection. they are just doomed to a life they do not deserve. i am only one person and if i speak up and people know its me, then they will probably seek revenge, "it's the way they do in leslie county...burn you house down or shoot you or a member of your family". please, someone out there help these precious animals.

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