For Immediate Release: Monday, February 3, 2003

Contact: Becky Reiter, Boone County Animal Control, Burlington, 859-586-5285
Melody Zentall, Kentucky Coalition for Animal Protection, Lexington, 859-252-8262
Andy McDowell, Warren County Sheriff's Office, Bowling Green, 270-842-1633
Dr. Rusty Gailor, KVMA Legislative Committee, Louisville, 502-367-6400 or
Pam Rogers, Pet Groups United, Louisville, 502-649-1290

Rally for Cruelty Legislation Slated for Capitol Rotunda February 13th!
Intentional and Severe Cases of Cruelty to Become Felony

Frankfort - On Thursday, February 13, 2003, at 12:30 p.m., a rally will be held in the Capitol Rotunda in support of felony cruelty legislation currently pending in the Kentucky General Assembly. A state-wide coalition of veterinarians, animal control officers, humane organizations, law enforcement professionals and protective services advocates will be present at a press conference and rally to support Senate Bill 24, House Bill 243 and House Bill 214 - bills which elevate intentional and severe cases of animal abuse from a misdemeanor to a felony. Scheduled to speak at the rally will be: Senator Tom Buford (R -Jessamine); Representative Joni Jenkins (D-Jefferson); Andy McDowell, President, Kentucky Animal Control Association; Ed Hatchett, Jr., State Auditor; Dr. Jim Webber, President, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and other dignitaries.

"On behalf of all the animals in Kentucky, we would like to thank Senator Buford, Representative Palumbo and Representative Farmer for introducing these important bills. Enactment of this legislation will add Kentucky to the list of 37 states in the nation who have already had the compassion and foresight to pass felony cruelty legislation," said Becky Reiter with Boone County Animal Control and Protection. "Keeping animal cruelty laws at a misdemeanor level, trivializes the seriousness of such acts, making them comparable to a traffic violation," she added.

"Although these bills will help protect animals, the impact this legislation can have on the lives of all Kentuckians is also significant," said Dr. Rusty Gailor, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association Legislative committee member. "Social workers, police, domestic violence workers and even the FBI have documented a strong and crucial link between animal abuse and human and domestic violence. Their studies show that all serial killers and most of the perpetrators in the tragic school shootings began their 'careers' by practicing on animals. Making severe cases of animal abuse a serious offense will aid both law enforcement officers and social service agencies in identifying potential human abusers," he added.

Prior to the rally, 4kentuckypets coalition members will also be hosting a hospitality room for the legislators in Room 111 in the Capitol Annex from 8 - 11 a.m.