Todd,

The 2026 Kentucky legislative session is now in the books, and thanks to your advocacy, we secured important victories for animals this session. That same commitment was on display in Frankfort on Feb. 20, when advocates gathered for the 2026 Kentucky Animal Welfare Summit, pictured above. We hope you’ll join us next year!

With your support, we defeated an inhumane bill that would have stripped away protections for “working animals” in horse shows, circuses and other performing animal acts, and helped ensure that a dangerous bill protecting puppy mills and the pet stores that sell puppies was never introduced.

We also celebrated the passage of HB 212, sponsored by Rep. Susan Witten, which allows veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines. This is a critical step in expanding access to care for companion animals across the Commonwealth.

I’m thrilled to share that, thanks to the tireless efforts of our friends at Ethan’s Rescue Pet Project, shelter and rescue dogs and cats are now the official state pets of Kentucky! This legislation, SB 37, also raises awareness of the thousands of dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes across all 120 counties. Thank you to Rep. Erika Hancock and Sen. Robin Webb for your work to make this bill a reality. If you have a shelter or rescue pet at home, this victory is for them!

Together, we’re making a difference for animals in Kentucky and beyond, and we couldn’t do it without your support. Animals need strong voices like yours speaking up for them every day, and your advocacy is helping build a more compassionate future across our state. If you would like to get more involved in our state and local advocacy work, please reach out to me at tblevins@humaneworld.org. You can also visit our website to discover more ways to help.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Todd Blevins

Kentucky State Director

Humane World for Animals

P.S. From time to time, we share stories of advocates making a difference in their communities. Read how one activist helped pass a local ban on wild animals in traveling circuses and get inspired to create change in your own community.