I Can’t Believe Fighting Certain Animals is Still Just a Misdemeanor in KY

When I was a kid, I went with my dad to pick up a body. Now, before you start working on your next true crime documentary, I will inform you that he was a funeral director, and it was part of his job to sometimes transport bodies to and from Owensboro.

And on this particular trip, we got sidelined somewhere--can't remember where, offhand--and I heard what sounded like dogs fighting in the distance. Well, that's what it was, and Dad immediately grabbed my hand, and we left.

Laws Against Organized Animal Fighting

That heinous enterprise was made illegal in 1976, but dog fighting rings still exist. It also happens with great frequency all over the world. It's disgusting. It's just vile to make animals fight one another for sport. And now proposed legislation would also make cockfighting illegal. Like dog fighting 48 years ago, this, too, is long overdue. In the following report, you're going to hear some pretty unflattering statistics regarding Kentucky and animal cruelty laws.

Kentucky's Reputation in This Arena Is Hardly Pristine

While that story was presented last year, it was only within the last couple of weeks that Kentucky Senate Bill 243 was introduced as an amendment to KRS 525.125 that will define "animal fight." In other words, if passed, the law will be an umbrella over ALL animal fighting and make it a felony. Shockingly, it's only been a misdemeanor up to this point.

As for S.H.A.R.K. (Showing Animals Respect & Kindness), it has its hands full lobbying for the prevention of animal cruelty across the country. Click that link and you might be stunned to see what they are seeing and investigating every day.

In the meantime, KSB 243 can put a stop to any and all activities such as these, but they have to be made aware of them. Until I did research on this topic, I had no idea how bad this situation had gotten. Clearly, this is one area where the Commonwealth can seriously shape up.