Thursday, January 21, 2016

Laurel County - Let's Make a Change

Animal Welfare – Animal Rights - Animal Advocacy


What is Animal Welfare??
Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal; the treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. 1. Protecting an animal's welfare means providing for its physical and mental needs. As stated by (AVMA - https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/AnimalWelfare/Pages/what-is-animal-welfare.aspx)

The term animal welfare is often used interchangeably with animal rights. So what are animal rights?

Living in southeastern Kentucky as an animal lover and advocate can be extremely difficult. Year after year we are voted worst for animal laws. In Kentucky, animal laws are few and often not enforced. So what can be done?




What rights do animals have?
According to the ASPCA(www.aspca.com) animals have the right to FIVE FREEDOMS:
  1. FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST. by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor.
  2. FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT. by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
  3. FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY OR DISEASE. ...
  4. FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. ...
  5. FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS.



Driving down the back roads of Kentucky you will undoubtedly see many animals tied by chains 24/7, see animals starving from lack of care, abused, abandoned, injured, with no shelter, without fresh water...the list goes on and on. Is that meeting their 5 freedoms? Absolutely not.



So why is this happening?

Because we as a society, as a community, are LETTING THEM DOWN. 

 

Kentucky State Law
Curious of what Kentucky animal laws actually are? This website has a list of laws that have been put into place for the state of KY. However, it is extremely clear that in order to see a real change in our state, it's going to have to happen COUNTY by COUNTY! But just in case you are still interested...please check out this website for KY law resources.

Animal Law Resource Center


COUNTY BY COUNTY

Many cities, including the city of London, have adapted ordinances to help ensure the safety and welfare of animals. This not only helps protect the animals but also makes the community a better place to live in. (Making citizens become responsible pet owners is a win win for everyone!) The city of London put ordinances in place in 2012. Here is a copy of what those ordinances entail:



But...these ordinances do not extend to the county. WHY NOT?? After much research, I have found no ordinances for Laurel County. Sure, citizens are “supposed” to abide by State Laws in reference to animals but lets be honest here...out of sight out of mind. So what does that mean for our county animals and citizens??

It means no accountability to pet owners. It means no ensuring the rights of animals. It means no concern or drive to deal with animal issues in the county that are not reported. Does this mean that our Animal Control is to blame? ABSOLUTELY NOT. This means that as a community it is time to step up and speak for the animals in our county. It is time to look to places like JESSAMINE COUNTY and FAYETTE COUNTY and CLARK COUNTY for example...they have successfully begun implementing ordinances in their counties. 


Mind you, there are people in our community behind the scenes looking into ordinances from other counties and working to help make this something feasible for our county. But we still need YOUR help!! We must unite as a team and work together to encourage our leaders to implement change.
Think About It
Whether you are an animal lover or not....is this how you want others to see our county? Is this what you want to be known and remembered for? It's past time for us to stand up and demand that citizens begin doing the right thing. We can see CHANGE if we are willing to go after it! 



 

What can YOU do?

There are several things that YOU can do as a Laurel County citizen.

  1. Contact the County Judge Executive : David Westerfield and share your concerns on the need for county ordinances and enforcement of those ordinances.
                                           Judge Executive David Westerfield
                                                     101 South Main Street, Suite 320
                                                          London, KY 40741-2301
      :
                                                 Office :(606) 864-4640
Fax: (606) 864-3867
Email -lcjudge@windstream.net
Office Hours
8:00-4:00 Eastern Time
Contact: Kelly Sutton, Executive Assistant
Fiscal Court Meetings
4th Thursday at 9:30 AM
Served as judge/executive since 2011
Party Affiliation: Republican
  1. Contact your magistrate and voice your concerns for the need of county ordinances for animals.
                               
    Dist. 1: Roy Crawford 878-8200
    Dist. 2: Danny Smith 862-8258
    Dist. 3: Teddy Benge 864-9574
    Dist. 4: Jeff Book 843-7862
    Dist. 5: Billy Oakley 864-5046
    Dist. 6: Richard Bales 864-7685


  2. Like & Share our Facebook page to help us reach more community members. Feel free to post on our page about ordinances and what you would like to see for our future in Laurel Co.


  3. Write our Kentucky Legislators
  4. Support and be involved with the local Laurel County Animal Shelter 

     
  5. Attend Fiscal Court Meetings!  
                            Fiscal Court Meetings
                           4th Thursday at 9:30 AM

    7. Attend Committee Meetings - Every 2nd Wednesday at 9am

    8. Sign our online petition! - Link Below..
                         Support Animal Ordinances for Laurel County - Be Their Voice  

We will continue to update on this issue as new developments occur. Join us and follow us on this journey to help make Laurel County a great place for both people and animals.





Barks & Meows,
WPEL
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