I recently read on Change.org that the state of Kentucky has once again been selected by the Animal Legal Defense Fund as the worst state in the nation for legal protections for animals. It's the eighth year that Kentucky has been selected for this dubious honor, and I am writing to urge you to make some changes for Kentucky animals.
Kentucky probably cemented its place on the ALDF's list as early as Feb. 2010, when the Humane Society of the United States recorded a cockfight, at which uniformed law officers were present.
Animal fighting is only a misdemeanor, and many believe the current law does not protect chickens, but only four-legged animals for fighting.
Cockfighting continues to be popular in Kentucky, and people travel from out of state to attend cockfights. It is estimated that one million roosters are used in cockfights each year in the state.
Considering that this illegal activity is openly operating in pits all across the state, it has implied that the cockfighting ban, passed in 1893, is irrelevant. This disrespect of the rule of law has started a movement to overturn it, which most of Kentucky citizens would be against.
At the very least, the language of the current law should be clarified to protect birds as well as four-legged animals. The popularization of this cruel and barbaric blood sport is an embarrassment to the state. I urge you to make cockfighting a felony in Kentucky.
Thank you.
