§ 90.01 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   ABANDON. To forsake entirely or to neglect or refuse to provide or perform the legal obligations for care and support of an animal by its owner or his or her agent. Such ABANDONMENT shall constitute the relinquishment of all rights and claims by the owner to such animal.

(KRS 257.100(4))

   AT LARGE. Off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner or his or her agent either by leash, cord, chain or otherwise.

   OWNER. Every person having a right of property to an animal and every person who keeps or harbors an animal, has it in his or her care or permits it to remain on or about the premises owned or occupied by him or her.

(Prior Code, § 90.01)

§ 90.02 ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE.

   (A)   No person who is the owner of any animal shall permit it to run at large in any public road, highway, street, lane or alley, or upon unenclosed land, or permit it to go on any private yard, lot or enclosure without the consent of the owner of the yard, lot or enclosure.

   (B)   The owner of an animal who permits it to run at large in violation of this section is liable for all damages caused by such animal upon the premises of another.

(Prior Code, § 90.02) Penalty, see § 90.99

§ 90.03 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS IN THE SECOND DEGREE.

   (A)   A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when, except as authorized by law, he or she intentionally or wantonly:

      (1)   Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through abandonment, participates, other than as provided in division (B) below, in causing it to fight for pleasure or profit, (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an event where a four-legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit) mutilation, beating, torturing, tormenting, failing to provide adequate food, drink, space or healthcare or by any other means;

      (2)   Subjects any animal in his or her custody to cruel neglect; or

      (3)   Kills any animal.

   (B)   Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals:

      (1)   Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish or trap;

      (2)   Incidental to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes;

      (3)   For humane purposes; or

      (4)   For any other purpose authorized by law.

(KRS 525.130) (Prior Code, § 90.03) Penalty, see § 90.99

Statutory reference:

   Cruelty to animals in the first degree, a Class D felony, see KRS 525.125

§ 90.04 DYEING OR SELLING DYED CHICKS OR RABBITS.

   No person shall sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange, display or possess living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or rabbits which have been dyed or colored; nor dye or color any baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or rabbits; nor sell, exchange, offer to sell or exchange or to give away baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl or rabbits under two months of age in any quantity less than six, except that any rabbit weighing three pounds or more may be sold at an age of six weeks.

(KRS 436.600) (Prior Code, § 90.04) Penalty, see § 90.99

§ 90.05 ABANDONING DOMESTIC ANIMALS PROHIBITED.

   No owner of a domestic animal shall abandon the animal.

(Prior Code, § 90.05) Penalty, see § 90.99