Attention:

As the 2016 legislative session begins, I am writing to you regarding recent statements by the

animal rights extremists that yet again the Commonwealth of Kentucky has the worst statutory

 provisions with respect to the protection of animals from animal cruelty. These statements are

incorrect self serving and calculated to advance their agenda to eliminate our heritage with

respect to legitimate sports activities with animals as well as animal agriculture. The criteria they

use to make such a determination are by way of example, whether the Commonwealth has anti-

anti-ivory poaching laws, laws against clubbing baby seal, dolphins and turtle protections (see

Louisville Ordinance Section 91.160 Release of Balloons which states that proposal). We believe

that this assertion is misplaced and in fact is without support or substance.

We have worked in the past with respect to legislative matters to receive input from all

 potentially affected groups to prevent intended and unintended consequences which would

negatively impact the Commonwealth’s heritage of sports men and women as well as our deep

agricultural commitment.

Unique to this Commonwealth, is the statutorily created Animal Control Advisory board (KRS

258.117) which consists of representatives of the Animal Control Association, the Farm Bureau,

The Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, the League of Cities, the Kentucky Houndsmen,

and others. The board is statutorily tasked with administrating the animal care and control

fund as well as mandated to promulgate regulations under the auspices of the Department of

Agriculture. It is essential that groups with the expertise and experience lead the group that

develops and implements standards for care of animals. There are multiple provisions in our

statutes to deal with animal cruelty (KRS 525.120 5-1 30), anti-animal fghting provisions (KRS

135) torture provisions and anti-torture provision (KRS sec 155.130-135), and multiple other

statutory provisions. We submit that the Commonwealth has enough laws, if enforced, to deal

with multiple actual problems and to protect animals while balancing those interests with the

rights of the citizens.

Respectfully yours,

 

Doug Morgan, President

Kentucky Houndsmen Association

Chairman of Kentucky Coalition of Sportsmen

“Dedicated to protecting the heritage of Kentucky Houndsmen”

606-783-1387 (H)

606-776-2030 (C)

www.kyhoundsmen.com

5365 US 60 East

Morehead, KY 40351