Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Kentucky Revised Statutes Title L. Kentucky Penal Code § 525.125.Cruelty to animals in the first degree

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Dog” means a domesticated canid of the genus canis lupus familiaris; and

(b) “Dog fight” or “dog fighting” means any event that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between at least two (2) dogs for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, except that the term “dog fight” or “dog fighting” shall not be deemed to include any activity the purpose of which involves the use of one (1) or more dogs in hunting or taking another animal.

(2) The following persons are guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree:

(a) Whenever a dog is knowingly caused to dog fight for pleasure or profit:

1. The owner of the dog;

2. The owner of the property on which the fight is conducted if the owner knows of the dog fight; and

3. Anyone who participates in the organization of the dog fight; and

(b) Any person who knowingly owns, possesses, keeps, trains, sells, or otherwise transfers a dog for the purpose of dog fighting.

(3) Activities of dogs engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall not constitute a violation of this section.

(4) Activities of dogs engaged in working or guarding livestock shall not constitute a violation of this section.

(5) Cruelty to animals in the first degree is a Class D felony.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Kentucky Revised Statutes Title L. Kentucky Penal Code § 525.125.Cruelty to animals in the first degree - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ky/title-l-kentucky-penal-code/ky-rev-st-sect-525-125/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard