Kentucky ranks as one of the worst states for animal welfare laws, but that is slowly changing. In 2020, Kentucky finally joined all of the other states and passed a bill to allow veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty. For the first time in over a decade Kentucky rose from the worst state for animal protections laws to 45th, according to Animal Legal Defense Fund's annual U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report.

Now, the largest city in the state, Louisville, is taking a stand against puppy mills.

Louisville Metro Council passed a new ordinance "Puppy-Mill Ordinance" to end the sale of puppy mill dogs and cats in pet stores and outdoor markets.

Photo: Pixabay/Elena Rogulina

This is a huge win for animals and the state.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) shared the good news on Facebook and wrote, "The ordinance also stops the sale of puppies and kittens in outdoor markets, like flea markets and parking lots. HSUS worked closely with local lawmakers, groups, and advocates. This brings us one step closer to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell!"

HSUS defines a puppy mill as, "an inhumane, commercial dog breeding facility in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits." Sadly, they are not illegal and the best way you can help put an end to the cruelty is to get your next pet from an animal shelter or rescue.

"We have accomplished a major win in our city, and it takes a village every single time. The more people that stand up for animals the more changes that can happen," Mychell Lawson, the founder of Kentucky Animal Action, told WLKY.

Pet stores are encouraged to partner with local shelters to help the countless homeless dogs and cats find loving homes. Many animal shelters are over capacity and in crisis mode trying to find adopters and fosters.

HSUS and many other animal rights organizations continue to fight to end puppy mills nationwide. Learn more about how you can help here.