LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A starving dog rescued in Louisville has gained national attention as he fights to recover. According to a Kentucky lawmaker, the dog’s story shows why a new bill is important.
What You Need To Know
- Story of a Louisville dog, now named Ethan, gained national attention as he fights to recover
- KY lawmaker says his story shows why a new bill is important
- House Bill 57 expands the definition of torture of a dog or cat with specific acts, like depriving the animal of food or water while restraining it
In late January, the Kentucky Humane Society rescued a dog that was about 40 pounds underweight, according to Andrea Blair, the public relations and marketing director for the shelter.
"The fact that he was even breathing, we were surprised because when we first saw him on the sidewalk, somebody dumped him outside of our doors, we thought he was a dead dog," she said.
Over two and a half weeks, fans have watched the dog — now named Ethan — regain his ability to walk.
He’s put on more than 30 pounds.
The shelter has shared his progress on social media and an online store has “Team Ethan” merchandise for sale.
"It’s just been overwhelming," Blair said. "It’s so much fun to see how people throughout Kentucky and throughout the nation are really responding to his story of hope."
The Kentucky Humane Society has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in support of House Bill 57.
It expands the definition of torture of a dog or cat with specific acts, like depriving the animal of food or water while restraining it.
“We believe that is exactly what happened to Ethan, based on all the evidence we have before us," Blair said. "This is an example of an animal that was definitely tortured, so we don’t know at this point if Ethan’s torture was intentional or not, but this law would make it so that in cases of intentional torture, this would be something that could be prosecuted."
The legislation was filed last session, but Ethan’s story puts a face to the bill, said Rep. Chris Freeland (R, Benton) who sponsored the bill.
"Ethan is the perfect example of why this bill is important," Freeland said. "I hope it gives our law enforcement, our local courts some ability to pursue these cases and to hopefully stop some of them from happening."
The bill has not yet been assigned to a committee.