Legislation to strengthen Kentucky law when it comes to intentionally torturing a cat or dog is headed to the House floor. The measure allows for a felony charge on the first offense. Current law is restricted to a misdemeanor in that case. Jeff Callaway of Louisville and his dog Ethan came to Frankfort in support of the bill.
“The correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence or child abuse is staggering. So, if you can catch the folks that are abusing animals now you can make things safer for people in the long run,” said Callaway.
The legislation spells out various forms of torture including intentional starvation, burning, drowning, poisoning, and physically restraining with tie wraps, rope, chain, or tape. The General Assembly has acted on a variety of animal abuse measures over many years. Callaway said toughening the statute could act as a deterrent for animal torture leading to human abuse.
“If there is a threat of jail time put on something then maybe you get someone to pause before they do something else. But also, if we can catch these indicators of the people that are abusing animals, we can prevent violence in our communities later on,” said Callaway.
The bill emerged from the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.
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