Animal welfare advocates rally at State Capitol

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Dozens of animal welfare advocates took to Frankfort Tuesday to urge lawmakers to pass better laws protecting animals.

Kentucky ranks 47th in the nation for worst animal protection laws, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

The rally hosted by the Kentuckians Vote for Animals was to get lawmakers attention and make their voices heard for the animals.

One of the big bills these advocates are fighting for would allow veterinarians to report it if they think one of their patients has been abused.

Right now, Kentucky is the only state that does not allow vets to do that.

One vet shared an experience she had with an elderly couple who brought in their Bischon.

“They were worried their adult son was had raped the dog. Now I find myself wondering what happened to those people because they were frightened for their dog but they were frightened for themselves too,” says veterinarian Dr. Chris Albert.

National Link Coalition was also there. The group studies the link between animal abuse and human violence.

“These people are preying on the vulnerable and that includes children, seniors, disabled, domestic violence, and animals. To close off an avenue for another form of reporting is wrong, absolutely wrong,” says Joy Keeley with Kentucky Link Coalition.

National Link Coalition says animal abuse was present in 88% of homes investigated for child abuse.

Wednesday was also Animal Action Day. Animal advocates met with legislators all morning, urging them to pass any bill aiming to better protect animals.