In this U.S. state, veterinarians don't have to report if an animal is being abused — and were once actually banned from doing so Sign Now Carl, While we fight this pandemic by staying inside, many people are using their newfound excess of time at home to help in other ways — like fostering or adopting animals — which is wonderful. But if those animals are in Kentucky, they have significantly fewer welfare rights than pets in other U.S. states. Up until April 2020, the state actually banned veterinarians from reporting any animal abuse they observed, effectively shielding perpetrators and condemning pets to lives of violence. Luckily, lawmakers recently removed those restrictions, which is a huge step forward. Now, though, they need to go one step further: requiring vets to report abuse by classifying them as mandatory reporters. Similar requirements already exist in 20 other states, and they help prevent vulnerable pets from slipping through the cracks. Such laws are now more important than ever. This pandemic has already caused reports of domestic abuse to skyrocket, and as we know from multiple studies, people who abuse other humans are also more likely to harm animals. During this critical time, it's even more imperative that Kentucky bolster their animal protection laws. Sign the petition and demand that they start by making vets statewide mandatory reporters of animal abuse! Thank you for all that you do,   Miranda B. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. Perpetrators of domestic assault frequently begin their reigns of cruelty by targeting animals. Sign the petition to demand that Kentucky categorize all vets as mandated reporters of pet abuse!

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