FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to animal welfare. 

A bill working its way through the Kentucky legislature tries to change that. 

Senate Bill 21, sponsored by Sen. C.B. Embry, R-Morgantown, would allow veterinarians to inform authorities when they suspect animal abuse. 

Embry says this will bring Kentucky in line with every other state. 

"We remain the only state in the nation that does not allow veterinarians to report abuse when they become aware of it and we need to address that shortcoming,” he told members of the Senate Agriculture Committee. 

The measure passed the committee last month but was recommitted to allow changes to be made to the reporting of livestock. A committee substitute allows reporting of animal abuse on livestock to get a second look before informing authorities, suspected abuse on all other animals would go directly to law enforcement. 

Under the bill, veterinarians would be immune from any liabilities from the reporting.

The bill passed committee and now heads to the Senate floor.