
Kentucky
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Kentucky
Overall Rank: #45 (Bottom Tier)
- +Has sentence enhancements for repeat animal abusers
- -Felony animal cruelty and animal fighting only covers limited species
- -Veterinarians are not required to report suspected abuse
- -No statutory provisions for post-conviction restitution or forfeiture, except in cases involving horses or sexual assault of animals
- -No statutorily authorized mental health treatment or evaluation except in cases involving sexual assault of animals

Animal Protection Laws of Kentucky
The Animal Protection Laws of Kentucky compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Kentucky with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Recent Victories

Empowering Veterinarians to Report Suspected Abuse (Kentucky)
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws