On Kentucky Animal Action Day, let’s be the voices for the voiceless | Opinion

As we gather in Frankfort for Kentucky Animal Action Day, we are reminded of the urgent need to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Across the Commonwealth, countless animals suffer in silence, victims of neglect, abuse, and exploitation. But today, we have an opportunity to make our voices heard and demand change.

It’s no secret that Kentucky lags behind when it comes to animal protection laws. In fact, Kentucky Animal Action Day was started in response to this. Ranked 46th out of 50 states in 2023, our current legislation falls short of providing the necessary safeguards for our furry friends. Felony charges for animal abuse are limited, and abusers often escape meaningful consequences, leaving a trail of suffering in their wake.

But the impact of animal cruelty extends far beyond individual cases—it permeates our communities, affecting not only the animals themselves but also the people surrounding the abusers. Studies have shown a disturbing link between animal abuse and other forms of violence, including intimate partner abuse, assault, and child or elder abuse. By addressing animal cruelty, we have the opportunity to break the cycle of violence and create safer, more compassionate communities for all.

Today, we rally for change. Led by passionate advocates and organizations like the Humane Action Team from Assumption High School and The Arrow Fund, we come together to call for stronger animal protection laws and greater accountability for abusers. We urge our legislators to support critical bills like the Cost of Care Act (SB119) and the Animal Control Advisory Board bill (SB193), which will provide much needed resources and support for animal welfare efforts across the state.

Moreover, we must understand the economic impact of animal cruelty and neglect on taxpayers. A hoarding case in Fayette County ended up costing taxpayers more than $100,000. This staggering figure underscores the importance of enacting legislation like the Cost of Care Act, which would hold abusers financially accountable for the consequences of their actions.

But our work doesn’t end here. Today is just the beginning—a catalyst for change that will inspire ongoing action and advocacy in the days, weeks, and months to come. As we stand together outside the Capitol building, let us remember the millions of animals who are counting on us to be their voice. Let us pledge to continue speaking out, fighting for justice, and working tirelessly to create a future where every creature is treated with kindness, compassion, and respect.

As we advocate for change, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of animals like Journey, a recent rescue whose story exemplifies the importance of our efforts. Described as a walking skeleton, Journey is one of the most severe cases of starvation ever encountered. However, her spirit is resilient. Despite health complications requiring a brief return to the hospital from her foster home, she continues to fight. Thanks to IV fluids and new therapies, her condition has improved significantly. She is now drinking, eating, and gaining weight as she should and her spirit has improved, as evidenced by her wagging tail.

We are grateful for the team at Kentucky Animal Action for organizing this day. Let us raise our voices in solidarity with the animals who need us most, like Journey. Let us be their advocates, their champions, their allies. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter, more humane future for all.

Kelley Luckett, Education Consultant for The Arrow Fund, is the Senior Director for Community Integrated Health at YMCA of Greater Louisville, where she oversees a Healthy Relationships program for teens that helps prevent dating violence and fosters healthy relationship skills.

Thom Ham is the Executive Director of The Arrow Find (TAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to healing abused and severely neglected animals through medical care, advocacy, and education. Over the decade of work in various roles for TAF, Thom remains steadfast in his commitment to improving conditions for animals and humans in Kentucky.