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Area Development Districts

Working together is essential to make real, lasting change in the public animal services world. One way to accomplish this is by developing relationships with other government and non-profit organizations with a common mission. That doesn’t necessarily mean other animal agencies. One such resource is the Kentucky Coalition of Area Development Districts (KCADD). Their strategic mission is simple: They strive to foster regional strategies, solutions and partnerships that improve the overall quality of life for the citizens of Kentucky.

The KCADD is a non-profit organization separated into 15 Area Development Districts (ADD) varying in size from 5 to 15 counties. Your ADD can apply for grants on behalf of the animal organizations within your district. It’s important to form a collaboration between the sheltering organizations within your district to develop a plan. You can find contact information for your ADD HERE.


How to Read and Understand Law

All animal control officers should start by meeting with your County Attorney to ensure you follow all procedures regarding local enforcement. They are YOUR attorney!

Every animal control officer has a responsibility to know the laws they enforce. Start by reading through the entire statute. Then, read it again. Break the wording down into chunks that are easier to digest. Below is an example.

436.605 (1) Animal control officers and officers and agents of humane societies who are employed by, appointed by, or have contracted with a city, county, urban-county, charter county, or consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal control services shall have the powers of peace officers, except for the power of arrest, for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals, provided they possess the qualifications required under KRS 61.300.

Can be read as;

436.605 (1)Animal control officers and officers and agents of humane societies who are employed by, appointed by, or have contracted with a city, county, urban-county, charter county, or consolidated local government to provide animal sheltering or animal control services shall have the powers of peace officers, except for the power of arrest, for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to cruelty, mistreatment, or torture of animals, provided they possess the qualifications required under KRS 61.300.

Officer = Animal control officers and officers and agents of humane societies

appointed by = employed by, appointed by, or have contracted

government = city, county, urban-county, charter county, or consolidated local government

Powers of peace officer = is conditional on meeting qualifications under KRS 61.300

The Georgetown University Law Center created a A Guide to Reading Interpreting and Applying Statutes. It should not be your sole source of information. Again, talk to your county attorney.


Kentucky Animal Control Laws

Links to Kentucky Revised Statutes

Rabies Vaccination and Bite Quarantine Laws

Animal Control and Sheltering

Chapter 258 Penalties

Kentucky Animal Cruelty Laws

Enforcement Power and Obtaining Warrants


Controlled Substance Laws

In Kentucky, the law specifies how, when, and by whom an animal can be euthanized and the drugs used are strictly regulated by both the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners. It’s important to know your responsibility as both an individual and an agency.

Kentucky Administrative Regulations Chapter 16 Board of Veterinary Examiners

Drug Enforcement Administration

Sample Forms