HB 258 KRS525.135

---

HB 258 is a bill that was introduced by House Representative Susan Tyler Witten in the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly. On February 21, Representative Witten and I testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee. It passed out of Committee and on March 4 it was voted on and passed through the House by a vote of 79-9.

It then proceeded to the Senate and we again testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 14. It passed through committee 8-3. On March 26 it was called in the Senate for a vote. Through a spirited debate, it eventually passed through the Senate 30-5. 

Ethan's Law increases the punishment for intentional torture of a cat or dog and changes it from a first offense misdemeanor to a first offense Class D Felony. This law also defines torture more thoroughly and includes the restraint of the cat or dog. It also outlines the wanton disregard for the acts of torture. Basically, if you intentionally, with wanton disregard, restrain your cat or dog and torture them by either physical abuse or infirmity by intentionally denying them food or water then you are violating this law. 

This was a major victory for cats and dogs in Kentucky. 

It is now known as KRS 525.135, Ethan's Law.