Friends,

For the 12th year in a row, Kentucky ranks as the worst state for animal protection laws according to the annual U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report published by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals.

Kentucky earned its lowest spot in the rankings because state lawmakers have yet to pass a number of important, and increasingly universal, protections. For example, Kentucky is the only state that prohibits veterinarians from reporting suspected animal abuse. It is also one of just a handful of states with no prohibition of sexual assault of animals. Additionally, felony animal cruelty and animal fighting only covers limited species; and there are as yet no statutory provisions for post-conviction restitution or forfeiture, except in cases involving horses.

Shelters and foster homes spend thousands of dollars and countless hours trying to save these helpless animals. During the extreme weather conditions in the summer and winter you can find dogs chained outdoors without adequate shelter, food or water. In many cases the owner does not spay or neuter, resulting in litter after litter of puppies.

On February 6th Kentucky legislators will meet to consider passing laws to protect these animals. HELP US TO MAKE A CHANGE! PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY SIGNING OUR PETITION. THANK YOU!