AN ACT relating to animal care.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 525 to define terms; require peace officers and animal control officers to serve notice of seizure of an animal subjected to cruelty; create procedure for seizing agencies to petition a court to order owner to pay cost of care for a seized animal; establish penalties; amend KRS 258.215 to require owners to be responsible for cost of care of an impounded animal.

Introduced: February 27, 2026

Last action: February 27, 2026

To Committee On Committees (S)

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This bill sets up new rules for how Kentucky handles animals that are seized due to cruelty. It would require officers to notify owners when an animal is taken, and it creates a court process that could require the owner to pay for the animal's care while it is being held. It also makes owners responsible for the costs of caring for an impounded animal. Who it may affect: animal owners, animal control officers, and peace officers across Kentucky.

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