Even though many people in Kentucky are animal lovers, many of them are not aware how terrible and lacking our animal welfare laws actually are. In fact, not only are veterinarians not required to report abuse, neglect or cruelty, they are actually barred from doing so. In addition, we have been ranked one of the worst states for animal cruelty laws by the Animal Legal Defense Fund for six years in a row. We must do something to change this!

We must create and enforce laws to protect these innocent creatures. As it stands now, people are only required to give food, shelter, rabies vaccinations, and licenses (in certain cities) for their pets. There's no mention of hoarding (a significant problem that needs to be dealt with), proper veterinary care, and quality of life.

As a vet tech I see almost daily the need for such laws, and am powerless to do anything about it. Neglect is actually the worst thing I see, animals living in terrible pain or discomfort with nothing in our current laws protecting them. Reporting it to authorities is not only illegal (for vets), but pointless. The only animals protected in our state under current laws are horses (if local law enforcement will intervene), and animals forced to fight for the amusement of cruel spectators.

This is a link to Kentucky's current animal welfare laws:

http://aldf.org/downloads/compendium-2012/KENTUCKY12.pdf

The biggest problem with current laws is that they are too broad (do not specify what neglect is beyond not giving food, shelter and water), making them difficult to enforce. I have emailed everyone imaginable to voice my concerns about the current laws, but I'm not sure my voice alone will change much. Another issue I'm facing is that I have no legal background, so I really need the support and help from people who do!

Please help me spread the word, Kentucky pets are suffering as you read this. Please sign my petition, share it on social media, and if you know anyone in local KY government please educate them.

Thank you so much!