ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS OF KENTUCKY 

1.

GENERAL PROHIBITIONS

2.

PENALTIES

3.

EXEMPTIONS

4.

COUNSELING / EVALUATIONS

5.

PROTECTIVE ORDERS

6.

RESTITUTION / REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS / BONDING & LIENS

7.

SEIZURE / ON-SITE SUPERVISION

8.

FORFEITURE / POSSESSION

9.

CROSS ENFORCEMENT / REPORTING

10.

VETERINARIAN REPORTING / IMMUNITY

11.

LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICIES

12.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

13.

FIGHTING

14.

REFERENCED STATUTES

This chapter contains Kentucky’s general animal protection and related statutes with an effective date on or before
October 1, 2013. It begins with a detailed overview of the provisions contained in these laws, followed by the full
text of the statutes themselves. The various provisions are organized into categories. Within the first thirteen of these
categories, the relevant part of each statute is italicized. Category 14 provides a non-italicized version of each of the
previously referenced statutes, in numerical order. The penalties and related provisions for categories 12 and 13
are generally located within each of those respective sections.
Kentucky may employ similar provisions within other non-animal-specific criminal and civil statutes; may have
other more specific statutes in addition to those included; and may have a variety of animal-related regulations in
effect. Because the law is continually evolving, always review an official source for the most current language of
any statute.

ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWS OF THE USA & CANADA (8TH EDITION)
© 2013 Animal Legal Defense Fund

 KENTUCKY
1. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS *

(1)
Cruelty to animals
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130
(2)
Torture of dog or cat
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.135

Animals Covered in Definition

“[E]very warm-blooded living creature except
a human being”
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 446.010

Classification of Crimes

(1)
Class A misdemeanor
(2)
[1st offense]:
Class A misdemeanor
[1st offense if serious physical injury or death
& all subsequent offenses]:
Class D felony

KY-3

 KENTUCKY continued
2. MAXIMUM PENALTIES **

(1)
1 year imprisonment
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.090(1)
and/or
$500 fine
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.040(2)(a)
(2)
[1st offense]:
1 year imprisonment
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.090(1)
and/or
$500 fine
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.040(2)(a)
[1st offense if serious physical injury or death
& all subsequent offenses]:
5 years imprisonment
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.060(2)(d)
and
$10,000 fine
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.030(1)

3. EXEMPTIONS ***

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130(2),(3)
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.135(4),(5)

4. COUNSELING / EVALUATIONS †

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5. PROTECTIVE ORDERS †

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6. RESTITUTION / REIMBURSEMENT
†
OF COSTS / BONDING & LIENS

-----

7. SEIZURE / ON-SITE SUPERVISION

Dog wardens, peace officers and humane
officers shall be issued search warrants for
reasonable cause.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.605
KY-4

 KENTUCKY continued
8. FORFEITURE / POSSESSION †

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9. CROSS ENFORCEMENT / REPORTING

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10. VETERINARIAN REPORTING / IMMUNITY

Veterinarians are prohibited from the
voluntary reporting of suspected animal
cruelty or fighting without a court order,
subpoena or client waiver.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 321.185

11. LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICIES

Qualified dog wardens and officers and
agents of humane societies shall have the
powers of peace officers (except for the
power of arrest), and may be issued search
warrants.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.605

12. SEXUAL ASSAULT

-----

13. FIGHTING

All animals used for fighting shall be
confiscated.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.610
Various animal fighting activities with fourlegged animals are Class D felonies.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.125
Various non-four-legged animal fighting
activities are Class A misdemeanors.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130
Being a spectator or vendor at an animal fight
with four-legged animals is a Class A
misdemeanor.
KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130

* States may have other more specific statutes in addition to the general animal protection statutes referenced in this table.
** Despite statutory maximums, states often employ sentencing guidelines that may significantly alter the allowable sentence.
*** Exemptions:1-veterinary practice, 2-research animals, 3-wildlife, 4-traditional farm animal husbandry practices, 5-slaughter, 6-pest control,
7-rodeo, 8-zoos/circuses, 9-other.
† This table generally references only those provisions that are within each state’s animal protection statutes. States may employ similar
provisions within other non-animal-specific criminal and civil statutes, and may also have a variety of animal-related regulations in effect.
‡ This list is not exhaustive; states may authorize felony penalties for other crimes involving animals not included in this table.

KY-5

 1.

GENERAL PROHIBITIONS

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 446.010 (2013). Definitions for statutes generally.
As used in the statute laws of this state, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Action” includes all proceedings in any court of this state;
(2) “Animal” includes every warm-blooded living creature except a human being;
(3) “Attorney” means attorney-at-law;
(4) “Bequeath” and “devise” mean the same thing;
(5) “Bequest” and “legacy” mean the same thing, and embrace either real or personal estate, or
both;
(6) “Business trust” includes, except when utilized in KRS Chapter 386, a “statutory trust” as
organized under KRS Chapter 386A;
(7) “Case plan” means an individualized accountability and behavior change strategy for
supervised individuals that:
(a) Targets and prioritizes the specific criminal risk factors of the individual based upon
his or her assessment results;
(b) Matches the type and intensity of supervision and treatment conditions to the
individual’s level of risk, criminal risk factors, and individual characteristics, such as
gender, culture, motivational stage, developmental stage, and learning style;
(c) Establishes a timetable for achieving specific behavioral goals, including a schedule
for payment of victim restitution, child support, and other financial obligations; and
(d) Specifies positive and negative actions that will be taken in response to the supervised
individual’s behaviors;
(8) “Cattle” includes horse, mule, ass, cow, ox, sheep, hog, or goat of any age or sex;
(9) “Certified mail” means any method of governmental, commercial, or electronic delivery that
allows a document or package to have proof of:
(a) Sending the document or package;
(b) The date the document or package was delivered or delivery was attempted;
and
(c) The signature of the receipt of the document or package;
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 (10) “Company” may extend and be applied to any corporation, company, person, partnership,
joint stock company, or association;
(11) “Corporation” may extend and be applied to any corporation, company, partnership, joint
stock company, or association;
(12) “Criminal risk factors” are characteristics and behaviors that, when addressed or changed,
affect a person’s risk for committing crimes. The characteristics may include but are not limited
to the following risk and criminogenic need factors: antisocial behavior; antisocial personality;
criminal thinking; criminal associates; dysfunctional family; low levels of employment or
education; poor use of leisure and recreation; and substance abuse;
(13) “Cruelty” as applied to animals includes every act or omission whereby unjustifiable
physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted;
(14) “Directors,” when applied to corporations, includes managers or trustees;
(15) “Domestic,” when applied to a corporation, partnership, business trust, or limited liability
company, means all those incorporated or formed by authority of this state;
(16) “Domestic animal” means any animal converted to domestic habitat;
(17) “Evidence-based practices” means policies, procedures, programs and practices proven by
scientific research to reliably produce reductions in recidivism when implemented competently;
(18) “Federal” refers to the United States;
(19) “Foreign,” when applied to a corporation, partnership, business trust, or limited liability
company, includes all those incorporated or formed by authority of any other state;
(20) “Generally accepted accounting principles” are those uniform minimum standards of and
guidelines to financial accounting and reporting as adopted by the National Council on
Governmental Accounting, under the auspices of the Municipal Finance Officers Association
and by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, under the auspices of the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants;
(21) “Graduated sanction” means any of a wide range of accountability measures and programs
for supervised individuals, including but not limited to electronic monitoring; drug and alcohol
testing or monitoring; day or evening reporting centers; restitution centers; disallowance of
future earned compliance credits; rehabilitative interventions such as substance abuse or mental
health treatment; reporting requirements to probation and parole officers; community service or
work crews; secure or unsecure residential treatment facilities or halfway houses; and short-term
or intermittent incarceration;
(22) “Humane society,” “society,” or “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” means
any nonprofit corporation, organized under the laws of this state and having as its primary
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 purpose the prevention of cruelty to animals;
(23) “Issue,” as applied to the descent of real estate, includes all the lawful lineal descendants of
the ancestors;
(24) “Land” or “real estate” includes lands, tenements, and hereditaments and all rights thereto
and interest therein, other than a chattel interest;
(25) “Legatee” and “devisee” convey the same idea;
(26) “May” is permissive;
(27) “Month” means calendar month;
(28) “Oath” includes “affirmation” in all cases in which an affirmation may be substituted for an
oath;
(29) “Owner” when applied to any animal, means any person having a property interest in such
animal;
(30) “Partnership” includes both general and limited partnerships;
(31) “Peace officer” includes sheriffs, constables, coroners, jailers, metropolitan and urbancounty government correctional officers, marshals, policemen, and other persons with similar
authority to make arrests;
(32) “Penitentiary” includes all of the state penal institutions except the houses of reform;
(33) “Person” may extend and be applied to bodies-politic and corporate, societies, communities,
the public generally, individuals, partnerships, joint stock companies, and limited liability
companies;
(34) “Personal estate” includes chattels, real and other estate that passes to the personal
representative upon the owner dying intestate;
(35) “Pretrial risk assessment” means an objective, research based, validated assessment tool that
measures a defendant’s risk of flight and risk of anticipated criminal conduct while on pretrial
release pending adjudication;
(36) “Registered mail” means any governmental, commercial, or electronic method of delivery
that allows a document or package to have:
(a) Its chain of custody recorded in a register to enable its location to be tracked;
(b) Insurance available to cover its loss; and
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 (c) The signature of the recipient of the document or package available to the sender;
(37) “Regular election” means the election in even-numbered years at which members of
Congress are elected and the election in odd-numbered years at which state officers are elected;
(38) “Risk and needs assessment” or “validated risk and needs assessment” means an actuarial
tool scientifically proven to determine a person’s risk to reoffend and criminal risk factors, that
when properly addressed, can reduce that person’s likelihood of committing future criminal
behavior;
(39) “Shall” is mandatory;
(40) “State” when applied to a part of the United States, includes territories, outlying
possessions, and the District of Columbia; “any other state” includes any state, territory, outlying
possession, the District of Columbia, and any foreign government or country;
(41) “State funds” or “public funds” means sums actually received in cash or negotiable
instruments from all sources unless otherwise described by any state agency, state-owned
corporation, university, department, cabinet, fiduciary for the benefit of any form of state
organization, authority, board, bureau, interstate compact, commission, committee, conference,
council, office, or any other form of organization whether or not the money has ever been paid
into the Treasury and whether or not the money is still in the Treasury if the money is controlled
by any form of state organization, except for those funds the management of which is to be
reported to the Legislative Research Commission pursuant to KRS 42.600, 42.605, and 42.615;
(42) “Supervised individual” means an individual placed on probation by a court or serving a
period of parole or post-release supervision from prison or jail;
(43) “Sworn” includes “affirmed” in all cases in which an affirmation may be substituted for an
oath;
(44) “Treatment” when used in a criminal justice context, means targeted interventions that focus
on criminal risk factors in order to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior. Treatment options
may include, but shall not be limited to, community-based programs that are consistent with
evidence-based practices; cognitive-behavioral programs; faith-based programs; inpatient and
outpatient substance abuse or mental health programs; and other available prevention and
intervention programs that have been scientifically proven to produce reductions in recidivism
when implemented competently. “Treatment” does not include medical services;
(45) “United States” includes territories, outlying possessions, and the District of Columbia;
(46) “Vacancy in office,” or any equivalent phrase, means such as exists when there is an
unexpired part of a term of office without a lawful incumbent therein, or when the person elected
or appointed to an office fails to qualify according to law, or when there has been no election to
fill the office at the time appointed by law; it applies whether the vacancy is occasioned by death,
resignation, removal from the state, county or district, or otherwise;
KY-9

 (47) “Violate” includes failure to comply with;
(48) “Will” includes codicils; “last will” means last will and testament;
(49) “Year” means calendar year;
(50) “City” includes town;
(51) Appropriation-related terms are defined as follows:
(a) “Appropriation” means an authorization by the General Assembly to expend, from
public funds, a sum of money not in excess of the sum specified, for the purposes
specified in the authorization and under the procedure prescribed in KRS Chapter 48;
(b) “Appropriation provision” means a section of any enactment by the General
Assembly which is not provided for by KRS Chapter 48 and which authorizes the
expenditure of public funds other than by a general appropriation bill;
(c) “General appropriation bill” means an enactment by the General Assembly that
authorizes the expenditure of public funds in a branch budget bill as provided for in KRS
Chapter 48;
(52) “Mediation” means a nonadversarial process in which a neutral third party encourages and
helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Recommendations by mediators
are not binding on the parties unless the parties enter into a settlement agreement incorporating
the recommendations;
(53) “Biennium” means the two (2) year period commencing on July 1 in each even-numbered
year and ending on June 30 in the ensuing even-numbered year;
(54) “Branch budget bill” or “branch budget” means an enactment by the General Assembly
which provides appropriations and establishes fiscal policies and conditions for the biennial
financial plan for the judicial branch, the legislative branch, and the executive branch, which
shall include a separate budget bill for the Transportation Cabinet;
(55) “AVIS” means the automated vehicle information system established and maintained by the
Transportation Cabinet to collect titling and registration information on vehicles and boats and
information on holders of motor vehicle operator’s licenses and personal identification cards; and
(56) “Cooperative,” except in KRS Chapter 272, includes a limited cooperative association.

KY-10

 KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130 (2013). Cruelty to animals in the second degree; exemptions.
(1) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when except as authorized by
law he intentionally or wantonly:
(a) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through
abandonment, participates other than as provided in KRS 525.125 in causing it to fight
for pleasure or profit (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an
event where a four (4) legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit), mutilation,
beating, torturing any animal other than a dog or cat, tormenting, failing to provide
adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means;
(b) Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or
(c) Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This paragraph
shall not apply to intentional poisoning of a dog or cat. Intentional poisoning of a dog or
cat shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals:
(a) Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) Incident to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;
(c) For humane purposes;
(d) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(e) For purposes relating to sporting activities, including but not limited to horse racing at
organized races and training for organized races, organized horse shows, or other animal
shows;
(f) For bona fide animal research activities of institutions of higher education; or a
business entity registered with the United States Department of Agriculture under the
Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research;
(g) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(h) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(i) For animal or pest control; or
(j) For any other purpose authorized by law.

KY-11

 (3) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to
fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(4) Cruelty to animals in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.135 (2013). Torture of dog or cat.
(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “torture” means the intentional
infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain or injury, motivated by an intent to increase
or prolong the pain of the animal.
(2) A person is guilty of torture of a dog or cat when he or she without legal justification
intentionally tortures a domestic dog or cat.
(3) Torture of a dog or cat is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony
for each subsequent offense if the dog or cat suffers physical injury as a result of the torture, and
a Class D felony if the dog or cat suffers serious physical injury or death as a result of the
torture.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing or injuring of a dog or cat:
(a) In accordance with a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) For humane purposes;
(c) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(d) For purposes relating to sporting activities including but not limited to training for
organized dog or cat shows, or other animal shows in which a dog or a cat, or both,
participate;
(e) For bona fide animal research activities, using dogs or cats, of institutions of higher
education; or a business entity registered with the United States Department of
Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing
animal research;
(f) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat;
(g) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat;
(h) For animal or pest control; or
(i) For any other purpose authorized by law.
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 (5) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to
fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(6) The acts specified in this section shall not constitute cruelty to animals under KRS 525.125 or
525.130.

KY-13

 2.

PENALTIES

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.060 (2013). Sentence of imprisonment for felony.
(1) A sentence of imprisonment for a felony shall be an indeterminate sentence, the maximum of
which shall be fixed within the limits provided by subsection (2), and subject to modification by
the trial judge pursuant to KRS 532.070.
(2) Unless otherwise provided by law, the authorized maximum terms of imprisonment for
felonies are:
(a) For a Class A felony, not less than twenty (20) years nor more than fifty (50) years, or
life imprisonment;
(b) For a Class B felony, not less than ten (10) years nor more than twenty (20) years;
(c) For a Class C felony, not less than five (5) years nor more than ten (10) years; and
(d) For a Class D felony, not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years.
(3) For any felony specified in KRS Chapter 510, KRS 530.020, 530.064(1)(a), or 531.310, the
sentence shall include an additional five (5) year period of postincarceration supervision which
shall be added to the maximum sentence rendered for the offense. During this period of
postincarceration supervision, if a defendant violates the provisions of postincarceration
supervision, the defendant may be reincarcerated for:
(a) The remaining period of his initial sentence, if any is remaining; and
(b) The entire period of postincarceration supervision, or if the initial sentence has been
served, for the remaining period of postincarceration supervision.
(4) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, for any person subject to a period of
postincarceration supervision pursuant to Section 35 of this Act his or her sentence shall include
an additional one (1) year period of postincarceration supervision following release from
incarceration upon expiration of sentence if the offender is not otherwise subject to another form
of postincarceration supervision. During this period of postincarceration supervision, if an
offender violates the provisions of supervision, the offender may be reincarcerated for the
remaining period of his or her postincarceration supervision.
(5) The actual time of release within the maximum established by subsection (1), or as modified
pursuant to KRS 532.070, shall be determined under procedures established elsewhere by law.

KY-14

 KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.090 (2013). Sentence of Imprisonment for Misdemeanor.
A sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor shall be a definite term and shall be fixed within
the following maximum limitations:
(1) For a Class A misdemeanor, the term shall not exceed twelve (12) months; and
(2) For a Class B misdemeanor, the term shall not exceed ninety (90) days.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.030 (2013). Fines for felonies.
(1) Except as otherwise provided for an offense defined outside this code, a person who has been
convicted of any felony shall, in addition to any other punishment imposed upon him, be
sentenced to pay a fine in an amount not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and not greater
than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or double his gain from commission of the offense,
whichever is the greater.
(2) In determining the amount and method of paying a fine for commission of a felony, the court
shall consider, among others, the following factors:
(a) The defendant’s ability to pay the amount of the fine;
(b) The hardship likely to be imposed on the defendant’s dependents by the amount of the
fine and the time and method of paying it;
(c) The impact the amount of the fine will have on the defendant’s ability to make
reparation or restitution to the victim; and
(d) The amount of the defendant’s gain, if any, derived from the commission of the
offense.
(3) When a defendant is convicted of two (2) or more felonies committed through a single act
and is sentenced to fines pursuant to subsection (1), the aggregate amount of the fines shall not
exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from
commission of the offenses, whichever is the greater.
(4) Fines required by this section shall not be imposed upon any person determined by the court
to be indigent pursuant to KRS Chapter 31.
(5) This section shall not apply to a corporation.

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 KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.040 (2013). Fines for Misdemeanors and Violations.
(1) Fines and imprisonment for misdemeanors shall not be mutually exclusive. In any case where
imprisonment is authorized, a fine may be levied in addition to the imprisonment, or a fine may
be levied as an alternative to imprisonment. Similarly, a fine may be levied in lieu of
imprisonment. Whether the fine is to be levied as the sole penalty or as an additional or
alternative penalty shall be in the discretion of the judge or jury as the case may be. If the trial is
by jury, the jury shall have the discretion. This rule shall apply in all cases where a fine is not the
exclusive penalty authorized by law.
(2) Except as otherwise provided for an offense defined outside this code, a person who has been
convicted of any offense other than a felony shall be sentenced, in addition to any other
punishment imposed upon him, to pay a fine in an amount not to exceed:
(a) For a Class A misdemeanor, five hundred dollars ($500); or
(b) For a Class B misdemeanor, two hundred fifty dollars ($250); or
(c) For a violation, two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(3) This section shall not apply to a corporation.
(4) Fines required by this section shall not be imposed upon any person determined by the court
to be indigent pursuant to KRS Chapter 31.

KY-16

 3.

EXEMPTIONS

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130 (2013). Cruelty to animals in the second degree; exemptions.
(1) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when except as authorized by
law he intentionally or wantonly:
(a) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through
abandonment, participates other than as provided in KRS 525.125 in causing it to fight
for pleasure or profit (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an event
where a four (4) legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit), mutilation,
beating, torturing any animal other than a dog or cat, tormenting, failing to provide
adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means;
(b) Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or
(c) Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This paragraph
shall not apply to intentional poisoning of a dog or cat. Intentional poisoning of a dog or
cat shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals:
(a) Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) Incident to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;
(c) For humane purposes;
(d) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(e) For purposes relating to sporting activities, including but not limited to horse racing
at organized races and training for organized races, organized horse shows, or other
animal shows;
(f) For bona fide animal research activities of institutions of higher education; or a
business entity registered with the United States Department of Agriculture under the
Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research;
(g) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(h) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(i) For animal or pest control; or
KY-17

 (j) For any other purpose authorized by law.
(3) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog
to fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(4) Cruelty to animals in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.135 (2013). Torture of dog or cat.
(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “torture” means the intentional
infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain or injury, motivated by an intent to increase
or prolong the pain of the animal.
(2) A person is guilty of torture of a dog or cat when he or she without legal justification
intentionally tortures a domestic dog or cat.
(3) Torture of a dog or cat is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony
for each subsequent offense if the dog or cat suffers physical injury as a result of the torture, and
a Class D felony if the dog or cat suffers serious physical injury or death as a result of the torture.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing or injuring of a dog or cat:
(a) In accordance with a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) For humane purposes;
(c) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(d) For purposes relating to sporting activities including but not limited to training for
organized dog or cat shows, or other animal shows in which a dog or a cat, or both,
participate;
(e) For bona fide animal research activities, using dogs or cats, of institutions of higher
education; or a business entity registered with the United States Department of
Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing
animal research;
(f) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat;
(g) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat;

KY-18

 (h) For animal or pest control; or
(i) For any other purpose authorized by law.
(5) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog
to fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(6) The acts specified in this section shall not constitute cruelty to animals under KRS 525.125 or
525.130.

KY-19

 4.

COUNSELING / EVALUATIONS
-----

5.

PROTECTIVE ORDERS
-----

6.

RESTITUTION / REIMBURSEMENT OF COSTS / BONDING & LIENS
-----

KY-20

 7.

SEIZURE / ON-SITE SUPERVISION

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.605 (2013). Animal control officers and humane agents have
powers of peace officers except power of arrest; search warrants; execution of search
warrants; arrest by peace officer.
(1) Animal control officers and officers and agents of humane societies who are employed by,
appointed by, or have contracted with a city, county, urban-county, charter county, or
consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal control services shall have
the powers of peace officers, except for the power of arrest, for the purpose of enforcing the
provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of
animals, provided they possess the qualifications required under KRS 61.300.
(2) When any peace officer, animal control officer, or any officer or agent of any society or
association for the prevention of cruelty to animals duly incorporated under the laws of this
Commonwealth who is employed by, appointed by, or has contracted with a city, county, urbancounty, charter county, or consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal
control services makes an oath before any judge of a District Court that he has reasons to
believe or does believe that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is being
committed in a building, barn, or other enclosure, the judge shall issue a search warrant
directed to the peace officer, animal control officer, or officer or agent of the society or
association for the prevention of cruelty to animals to search the premises. If a peace officer
finds that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is being perpetrated, the offender
or offenders shall be immediately arrested by the peace officer and brought before the court for
trial. If an animal control officer or an officer or agent of a society or association for the
prevention of cruelty to animals finds that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is
being perpetrated, the officer or agent shall summon a peace officer to arrest the offender or
offenders and bring them before the court for trial.

KY-21

 9.

FORFEITURE POSSESSION

CROSS ENFORCEMENT REPORTING



10.

VETERINARIAN REPORTING / IMMUNITY

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 321.185 (2013). Veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
(1) In order for a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine, a relationship among the
veterinarian, the client, and the patient shall be established and maintained. “Veterinarian-clientpatient relationship” means that:
(a) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making judgments regarding the
health of the animal and the need for veterinary treatment, and the client, whether owner
or other caretaker, has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;
(b) There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a
general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that
the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care
of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal or by medically appropriate and
timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept; and
(c) The practicing veterinarian is readily available or shall provide medical service for
follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. A new
regimen of therapy shall be contingent only upon cooperation of the client and
availability of the subject animal.
(2) The veterinarian shall maintain records which document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment,
and other relevant information.
(3)
(a) A veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian
and the veterinarian’s client.
(b) A veterinarian shall not release information concerning a client or care of a client’s
animal, except on the veterinarian’s receipt of:
1. A written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client; or
2. An appropriate court order or subpoena.
(c) A veterinarian who releases information as required under paragraph (b) of this
subsection shall not be liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting
from the disclosure.

KY-23

 (d) The privilege provided by this subsection is waived by the client or the owner of an
animal treated by the veterinarian to the extent the client or owner places at issue in a
civil or criminal proceeding:
1. The nature and extent of the animal’s injuries; or
2. The care and treatment of the animal provided by the veterinarian.
(e) This subsection shall not apply to:
1. An inspection or investigation conducted by the board or an agent of the board;
or
2. The veterinary reporting requirements and regulatory authority of the Kentucky
Horse Racing Commission to inspect, investigate, and supervise horses and other
participants in horse racing as provided by KRS Chapter 230 and the
administrative regulations promulgated under KRS Chapter 230, or any other law
applicable to the regulation of horse racing in the Commonwealth.
(4) Veterinarians providing copies of records under this section may charge no more than the
actual cost of copying, including reasonable staff time.

KY-24

 11.

LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICIES

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.605 (2013). Animal control officers and humane agents have
powers of peace officers except power of arrest; search warrants; execution of search
warrants; arrest by peace officer.
(1) Animal control officers and officers and agents of humane societies who are employed by,
appointed by, or have contracted with a city, county, urban-county, charter county, or
consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal control services shall
have the powers of peace officers, except for the power of arrest, for the purpose of enforcing the
provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of
animals, provided they possess the qualifications required under KRS 61.300.
(2) When any peace officer, animal control officer, or any officer or agent of any society or
association for the prevention of cruelty to animals duly incorporated under the laws of this
Commonwealth who is employed by, appointed by, or has contracted with a city, county, urbancounty, charter county, or consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal
control services makes an oath before any judge of a District Court that he has reasons to believe
or does believe that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is being committed in a
building, barn, or other enclosure, the judge shall issue a search warrant directed to the peace
officer, animal control officer, or officer or agent of the society or association for the prevention
of cruelty to animals to search the premises. If a peace officer finds that an act of cruelty,
mistreatment, or torture of animals is being perpetrated, the offender or offenders shall be
immediately arrested by the peace officer and brought before the court for trial. If an animal
control officer or an officer or agent of a society or association for the prevention of cruelty to
animals finds that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is being perpetrated, the
officer or agent shall summon a peace officer to arrest the offender or offenders and bring them
before the court for trial.

KY-25

 12. SEXUAL ASSAULT



13.

FIGHTING

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.610 (2013). Confiscation of animals on premises where
violations of KRS 525.125 and 525.130 occur.
All animals of the same species, which are on the property when an animal is caused to fight for
pleasure or profit, in violation of the provisions of KRS 525.125 and 525.130, shall be
confiscated and turned over to the county animal control officer employed, appointed, or
contracted with as provided by KRS 258.195, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the
animals were on the property for the purpose of fighting.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.125 (2013). Cruelty to animals in the first degree.
(1) The following persons are guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree whenever a fourlegged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit:
(a) The owner of the animal;
(b) The owner of the property on which the fight is conducted if the owner knows of the
fight;
(c) Anyone who participates in the organization of the fight.
(2) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training, and other activities
authorized either by a hunting license or by the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not
constitute a violation of this section.
(3) Cruelty to animals in the first degree is a Class D felony.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130 (2013). Cruelty to animals in the second degree; exemptions.
(1) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when except as authorized by
law he intentionally or wantonly:
(a) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through
abandonment, participates other than as provided in KRS 525.125 in causing it to fight
for pleasure or profit (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an
event where a four (4) legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit), mutilation,
beating, torturing any animal other than a dog or cat, tormenting, failing to provide
adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means;

KY-27

 (b) Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or
(c) Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This paragraph
shall not apply to intentional poisoning of a dog or cat. Intentional poisoning of a dog or
cat shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals:
(a) Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) Incident to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;
(c) For humane purposes;
(d) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(e) For purposes relating to sporting activities, including but not limited to horse racing at
organized races and training for organized races, organized horse shows, or other animal
shows;
(f) For bona fide animal research activities of institutions of higher education; or a
business entity registered with the United States Department of Agriculture under the
Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research;
(g) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(h) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(i) For animal or pest control; or
(j) For any other purpose authorized by law.
(3) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to
fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(4) Cruelty to animals in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

KY-28

 14.

REFERENCED STATUTES

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 321.185 (2013). Veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
(1) In order for a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine, a relationship among the
veterinarian, the client, and the patient shall be established and maintained. “Veterinarian-clientpatient relationship” means that:
(a) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making judgments regarding the
health of the animal and the need for veterinary treatment, and the client, whether owner
or other caretaker, has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian;
(b) There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a
general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that
the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care
of the animal by virtue of an examination of the animal or by medically appropriate and
timely visits to the premises where the animal is kept; and
(c) The practicing veterinarian is readily available or shall provide medical service for
follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. A new
regimen of therapy shall be contingent only upon cooperation of the client and
availability of the subject animal.
(2) The veterinarian shall maintain records which document patient visits, diagnosis, treatment,
and other relevant information.
(3)
(a) A veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian
and the veterinarian’s client.
(b) A veterinarian shall not release information concerning a client or care of a client’s
animal, except on the veterinarian’s receipt of:
1. A written authorization or other form of waiver executed by the client; or
2. An appropriate court order or subpoena.
(c) A veterinarian who releases information as required under paragraph (b) of this
subsection shall not be liable to any person, including the client, for an action resulting
from the disclosure.

KY-29

 (d) The privilege provided by this subsection is waived by the client or the owner of an
animal treated by the veterinarian to the extent the client or owner places at issue in a
civil or criminal proceeding:
1. The nature and extent of the animal’s injuries; or
2. The care and treatment of the animal provided by the veterinarian.
(e) This subsection shall not apply to:
1. An inspection or investigation conducted by the board or an agent of the board;
or
2. The veterinary reporting requirements and regulatory authority of the Kentucky
Horse Racing Commission to inspect, investigate, and supervise horses and other
participants in horse racing as provided by KRS Chapter 230 and the
administrative regulations promulgated under KRS Chapter 230, or any other law
applicable to the regulation of horse racing in the Commonwealth.
(4) Veterinarians providing copies of records under this section may charge no more than the
actual cost of copying, including reasonable staff time.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.605 (2013). Animal control officers and humane agents have
powers of peace officers except power of arrest; search warrants; execution of search
warrants; arrest by peace officer.
(1) Animal control officers and officers and agents of humane societies who are employed by,
appointed by, or have contracted with a city, county, urban-county, charter county, or
consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal control services shall have
the powers of peace officers, except for the power of arrest, for the purpose of enforcing the
provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of
animals, provided they possess the qualifications required under KRS 61.300.
(2) When any peace officer, animal control officer, or any officer or agent of any society or
association for the prevention of cruelty to animals duly incorporated under the laws of this
Commonwealth who is employed by, appointed by, or has contracted with a city, county, urbancounty, charter county, or consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal
control services makes an oath before any judge of a District Court that he has reasons to believe
or does believe that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is being committed in a
building, barn, or other enclosure, the judge shall issue a search warrant directed to the peace
officer, animal control officer, or officer or agent of the society or association for the prevention
of cruelty to animals to search the premises. If a peace officer finds that an act of cruelty,
mistreatment, or torture of animals is being perpetrated, the offender or offenders shall be
KY-30

 immediately arrested by the peace officer and brought before the court for trial. If an animal
control officer or an officer or agent of a society or association for the prevention of cruelty to
animals finds that an act of cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals is being perpetrated, the
officer or agent shall summon a peace officer to arrest the offender or offenders and bring them
before the court for trial.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 436.610 (2013). Confiscation of animals on premises where
violations of KRS 525.125 and 525.130 occur.
All animals of the same species, which are on the property when an animal is caused to fight for
pleasure or profit, in violation of the provisions of KRS 525.125 and 525.130, shall be
confiscated and turned over to the county animal control officer employed, appointed, or
contracted with as provided by KRS 258.195, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the
animals were on the property for the purpose of fighting.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 446.010 (2013). Definitions for statutes generally.
As used in the statute laws of this state, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) “Action” includes all proceedings in any court of this state;
(2) “Animal” includes every warm-blooded living creature except a human being;
(3) “Attorney” means attorney-at-law;
(4) “Bequeath” and “devise” mean the same thing;
(5) “Bequest” and “legacy” mean the same thing, and embrace either real or personal estate, or
both;
(6) “Business trust” includes, except when utilized in KRS Chapter 386, a “statutory trust” as
organized under KRS Chapter 386A;
(7) “Case plan” means an individualized accountability and behavior change strategy for
supervised individuals that:
(a) Targets and prioritizes the specific criminal risk factors of the individual based upon
his or her assessment results;
(b) Matches the type and intensity of supervision and treatment conditions to the
individual’s level of risk, criminal risk factors, and individual characteristics, such as
gender, culture, motivational stage, developmental stage, and learning style;
KY-31

 (c) Establishes a timetable for achieving specific behavioral goals, including a schedule
for payment of victim restitution, child support, and other financial obligations; and
(d) Specifies positive and negative actions that will be taken in response to the supervised
individual’s behaviors;
(8) “Cattle” includes horse, mule, ass, cow, ox, sheep, hog, or goat of any age or sex;
(9) “Certified mail” means any method of governmental, commercial, or electronic delivery that
allows a document or package to have proof of:
(a) Sending the document or package;
(b) The date the document or package was delivered or delivery was attempted; and
(c) The signature of the receipt of the document or package;
(10) “Company” may extend and be applied to any corporation, company, person, partnership,
joint stock company, or association;
(11) “Corporation” may extend and be applied to any corporation, company, partnership, joint
stock company, or association;
(12) “Criminal risk factors” are characteristics and behaviors that, when addressed or changed,
affect a person’s risk for committing crimes. The characteristics may include but are not limited
to the following risk and criminogenic need factors: antisocial behavior; antisocial personality;
criminal thinking; criminal associates; dysfunctional family; low levels of employment or
education; poor use of leisure and recreation; and substance abuse;
(13) “Cruelty” as applied to animals includes every act or omission whereby unjustifiable
physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted;
(14) “Directors,” when applied to corporations, includes managers or trustees;
(15) “Domestic,” when applied to a corporation, partnership, business trust, or limited liability
company, means all those incorporated or formed by authority of this state;
(16) “Domestic animal” means any animal converted to domestic habitat;
(17) “Evidence-based practices” means policies, procedures, programs and practices proven by
scientific research to reliably produce reductions in recidivism when implemented competently;
(18) “Federal” refers to the United States;
KY-32

 (19) “Foreign,” when applied to a corporation, partnership, business trust, or limited liability
company, includes all those incorporated or formed by authority of any other state;
(20) “Generally accepted accounting principles” are those uniform minimum standards of and
guidelines to financial accounting and reporting as adopted by the National Council on
Governmental Accounting, under the auspices of the Municipal Finance Officers Association
and by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, under the auspices of the American Institute
of Certified Public Accountants;
(21) “Graduated sanction” means any of a wide range of accountability measures and programs
for supervised individuals, including but not limited to electronic monitoring; drug and alcohol
testing or monitoring; day or evening reporting centers; restitution centers; disallowance of
future earned compliance credits; rehabilitative interventions such as substance abuse or mental
health treatment; reporting requirements to probation and parole officers; community service or
work crews; secure or unsecure residential treatment facilities or halfway houses; and short-term
or intermittent incarceration;
(22) “Humane society,” “society,” or “Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” means
any nonprofit corporation, organized under the laws of this state and having as its primary
purpose the prevention of cruelty to animals;
(23) “Issue,” as applied to the descent of real estate, includes all the lawful lineal descendants of
the ancestors;
(24) “Land” or “real estate” includes lands, tenements, and hereditaments and all rights thereto
and interest therein, other than a chattel interest;
(25) “Legatee” and “devisee” convey the same idea;
(26) “May” is permissive;
(27) “Month” means calendar month;
(28) “Oath” includes “affirmation” in all cases in which an affirmation may be substituted for an
oath;
(29) “Owner” when applied to any animal, means any person having a property interest in such
animal;
(30) “Partnership” includes both general and limited partnerships;
(31) “Peace officer” includes sheriffs, constables, coroners, jailers, metropolitan and urbancounty government correctional officers, marshals, policemen, and other persons with similar
KY-33

 authority to make arrests;
(32) “Penitentiary” includes all of the state penal institutions except the houses of reform;
(33) “Person” may extend and be applied to bodies-politic and corporate, societies, communities,
the public generally, individuals, partnerships, joint stock companies, and limited liability
companies;
(34) “Personal estate” includes chattels, real and other estate that passes to the personal
representative upon the owner dying intestate;
(35) “Pretrial risk assessment” means an objective, research based, validated assessment tool that
measures a defendant’s risk of flight and risk of anticipated criminal conduct while on pretrial
release pending adjudication;
(36) “Registered mail” means any governmental, commercial, or electronic method of delivery
that allows a document or package to have:
(a) Its chain of custody recorded in a register to enable its location to be tracked;
(b) Insurance available to cover its loss; and
(c) The signature of the recipient of the document or package available to the sender;
(37) “Regular election” means the election in even-numbered years at which members of
Congress are elected and the election in odd-numbered years at which state officers are elected;
(38) “Risk and needs assessment” or “validated risk and needs assessment” means an actuarial
tool scientifically proven to determine a person’s risk to reoffend and criminal risk factors, that
when properly addressed, can reduce that person’s likelihood of committing future criminal
behavior;
(39) “Shall” is mandatory;
(40) “State” when applied to a part of the United States, includes territories, outlying
possessions, and the District of Columbia; “any other state” includes any state, territory, outlying
possession, the District of Columbia, and any foreign government or country;
(41) “State funds” or “public funds” means sums actually received in cash or negotiable
instruments from all sources unless otherwise described by any state agency, state-owned
corporation, university, department, cabinet, fiduciary for the benefit of any form of state
organization, authority, board, bureau, interstate compact, commission, committee, conference,
council, office, or any other form of organization whether or not the money has ever been paid
into the Treasury and whether or not the money is still in the Treasury if the money is controlled
by any form of state organization, except for those funds the management of which is to be
reported to the Legislative Research Commission pursuant to KRS 42.600, 42.605, and 42.615;

KY-34

 (42) “Supervised individual” means an individual placed on probation by a court or serving a
period of parole or post-release supervision from prison or jail;
(43) “Sworn” includes “affirmed” in all cases in which an affirmation may be substituted for an
oath;
(44) “Treatment” when used in a criminal justice context, means targeted interventions that focus
on criminal risk factors in order to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior. Treatment options
may include, but shall not be limited to, community-based programs that are consistent with
evidence-based practices; cognitive-behavioral programs; faith-based programs; inpatient and
outpatient substance abuse or mental health programs; and other available prevention and
intervention programs that have been scientifically proven to produce reductions in recidivism
when implemented competently. “Treatment” does not include medical services;
(45) “United States” includes territories, outlying possessions, and the District of Columbia;
(46) “Vacancy in office,” or any equivalent phrase, means such as exists when there is an
unexpired part of a term of office without a lawful incumbent therein, or when the person elected
or appointed to an office fails to qualify according to law, or when there has been no election to
fill the office at the time appointed by law; it applies whether the vacancy is occasioned by death,
resignation, removal from the state, county or district, or otherwise;
(47) “Violate” includes failure to comply with;
(48) “Will” includes codicils; “last will” means last will and testament;
(49) “Year” means calendar year;
(50) “City” includes town;
(51) Appropriation-related terms are defined as follows:
(a) “Appropriation” means an authorization by the General Assembly to expend, from
public funds, a sum of money not in excess of the sum specified, for the purposes
specified in the authorization and under the procedure prescribed in KRS Chapter 48;
(b) “Appropriation provision” means a section of any enactment by the General
Assembly which is not provided for by KRS Chapter 48 and which authorizes the
expenditure of public funds other than by a general appropriation bill;
(c) “General appropriation bill” means an enactment by the General Assembly that
authorizes the expenditure of public funds in a branch budget bill as provided for in KRS
Chapter 48;

KY-35

 (52) “Mediation” means a nonadversarial process in which a neutral third party encourages and
helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Recommendations by mediators
are not binding on the parties unless the parties enter into a settlement agreement incorporating
the recommendations;
(53) “Biennium” means the two (2) year period commencing on July 1 in each even-numbered
year and ending on June 30 in the ensuing even-numbered year;
(54) “Branch budget bill” or “branch budget” means an enactment by the General Assembly
which provides appropriations and establishes fiscal policies and conditions for the biennial
financial plan for the judicial branch, the legislative branch, and the executive branch, which
shall include a separate budget bill for the Transportation Cabinet;
(55) “AVIS” means the automated vehicle information system established and maintained by the
Transportation Cabinet to collect titling and registration information on vehicles and boats and
information on holders of motor vehicle operator’s licenses and personal identification cards; and
(56) “Cooperative,” except in KRS Chapter 272, includes a limited cooperative association.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.125 (2013). Cruelty to animals in the first degree.
(1) The following persons are guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree whenever a fourlegged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit:
(a) The owner of the animal;
(b) The owner of the property on which the fight is conducted if the owner knows of the
fight;
(c) Anyone who participates in the organization of the fight.
(2) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training, and other activities
authorized either by a hunting license or by the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not
constitute a violation of this section.
(3) Cruelty to animals in the first degree is a Class D felony.

KY-36

 KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.130 (2013). Cruelty to animals in the second degree; exemptions.
(1) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when except as authorized by
law he intentionally or wantonly:
(a) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through
abandonment, participates other than as provided in KRS 525.125 in causing it to fight
for pleasure or profit (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an event
where a four (4) legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit), mutilation,
beating, torturing any animal other than a dog or cat, tormenting, failing to provide
adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means;
(b) Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or
(c) Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This paragraph
shall not apply to intentional poisoning of a dog or cat. Intentional poisoning of a dog or
cat shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals:
(a) Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) Incident to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;
(c) For humane purposes;
(d) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(e) For purposes relating to sporting activities, including but not limited to horse racing at
organized races and training for organized races, organized horse shows, or other animal
shows;
(f) For bona fide animal research activities of institutions of higher education; or a
business entity registered with the United States Department of Agriculture under the
Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research;
(g) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(h) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased animal;
(i) For animal or pest control; or
(j) For any other purpose authorized by law.

KY-37

 (3) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to
fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(4) Cruelty to animals in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 525.135 (2013). Torture of dog or cat.
(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “torture” means the intentional
infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain or injury, motivated by an intent to increase
or prolong the pain of the animal.
(2) A person is guilty of torture of a dog or cat when he or she without legal justification
intentionally tortures a domestic dog or cat.
(3) Torture of a dog or cat is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class D felony
for each subsequent offense if the dog or cat suffers physical injury as a result of the torture, and
a Class D felony if the dog or cat suffers serious physical injury or death as a result of the torture.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing or injuring of a dog or cat:
(a) In accordance with a license to hunt, fish, or trap;
(b) For humane purposes;
(c) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes;
(d) For purposes relating to sporting activities including but not limited to training for
organized dog or cat shows, or other animal shows in which a dog or a cat, or both,
participate;
(e) For bona fide animal research activities, using dogs or cats, of institutions of higher
education; or a business entity registered with the United States Department of
Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing
animal research;
(f) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat;
(g) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat;
(h) For animal or pest control; or
(i) For any other purpose authorized by law.
KY-38

 (5) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to
fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the
Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(6) The acts specified in this section shall not constitute cruelty to animals under KRS 525.125 or
525.130.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.060 (2013). Sentence of imprisonment for felony.
(1) A sentence of imprisonment for a felony shall be an indeterminate sentence, the maximum of
which shall be fixed within the limits provided by subsection (2), and subject to modification by
the trial judge pursuant to KRS 532.070.
(2) Unless otherwise provided by law, the authorized maximum terms of imprisonment for
felonies are:
(a) For a Class A felony, not less than twenty (20) years nor more than fifty (50) years, or
life imprisonment;
(b) For a Class B felony, not less than ten (10) years nor more than twenty (20) years;
(c) For a Class C felony, not less than five (5) years nor more than ten (10) years; and
(d) For a Class D felony, not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years.
(3) For any felony specified in KRS Chapter 510, KRS 530.020, 530.064(1)(a), or 531.310, the
sentence shall include an additional five (5) year period of postincarceration supervision which
shall be added to the maximum sentence rendered for the offense. During this period of
postincarceration supervision, if a defendant violates the provisions of postincarceration
supervision, the defendant may be reincarcerated for:
(a) The remaining period of his initial sentence, if any is remaining; and
(b) The entire period of postincarceration supervision, or if the initial sentence has been
served, for the remaining period of postincarceration supervision.
(4) In addition to the penalties provided in this section, for any person subject to a period of
postincarceration supervision pursuant to Section 35 of this Act his or her sentence shall include
an additional one (1) year period of postincarceration supervision following release from
incarceration upon expiration of sentence if the offender is not otherwise subject to another form
of postincarceration supervision. During this period of postincarceration supervision, if an
offender violates the provisions of supervision, the offender may be reincarcerated for the
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 remaining period of his or her postincarceration supervision.
(5) The actual time of release within the maximum established by subsection (1), or as modified
pursuant to KRS 532.070, shall be determined under procedures established elsewhere by law.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 532.090 (2013). Sentence of Imprisonment for Misdemeanor.
A sentence of imprisonment for a misdemeanor shall be a definite term and shall be fixed within
the following maximum limitations:
(1) For a Class A misdemeanor, the term shall not exceed twelve (12) months; and
(2) For a Class B misdemeanor, the term shall not exceed ninety (90) days.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.030 (2013). Fines for felonies.
(1) Except as otherwise provided for an offense defined outside this code, a person who has been
convicted of any felony shall, in addition to any other punishment imposed upon him, be
sentenced to pay a fine in an amount not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) and not greater
than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or double his gain from commission of the offense,
whichever is the greater.
(2) In determining the amount and method of paying a fine for commission of a felony, the court
shall consider, among others, the following factors:
(a) The defendant’s ability to pay the amount of the fine;
(b) The hardship likely to be imposed on the defendant’s dependents by the amount of the
fine and the time and method of paying it;
(c) The impact the amount of the fine will have on the defendant’s ability to make
reparation or restitution to the victim; and
(d) The amount of the defendant’s gain, if any, derived from the commission of the
offense.
(3) When a defendant is convicted of two (2) or more felonies committed through a single act
and is sentenced to fines pursuant to subsection (1), the aggregate amount of the fines shall not
exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or double the amount of the defendant’s gain from
commission of the offenses, whichever is the greater.

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 (4) Fines required by this section shall not be imposed upon any person determined by the court
to be indigent pursuant to KRS Chapter 31.
(5) This section shall not apply to a corporation.

KY. REV. STAT. ANN. § 534.040 (2013). Fines for Misdemeanors and Violations.
(1) Fines and imprisonment for misdemeanors shall not be mutually exclusive. In any case where
imprisonment is authorized, a fine may be levied in addition to the imprisonment, or a fine may
be levied as an alternative to imprisonment. Similarly, a fine may be levied in lieu of
imprisonment. Whether the fine is to be levied as the sole penalty or as an additional or
alternative penalty shall be in the discretion of the judge or jury as the case may be. If the trial is
by jury, the jury shall have the discretion. This rule shall apply in all cases where a fine is not the
exclusive penalty authorized by law.
(2) Except as otherwise provided for an offense defined outside this code, a person who has been
convicted of any offense other than a felony shall be sentenced, in addition to any other
punishment imposed upon him, to pay a fine in an amount not to exceed:
(a) For a Class A misdemeanor, five hundred dollars ($500); or
(b) For a Class B misdemeanor, two hundred fifty dollars ($250); or
(c) For a violation, two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
(3) This section shall not apply to a corporation.
(4) Fines required by this section shall not be imposed upon any person determined by the court
to be indigent pursuant to KRS Chapter 31.

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