Lexington government passes new animal welfare rules

Updates to the Animal Care Ordinance were unanimously passed by the Lexington Urban County Council Thursday night, says Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control in a social media post.

Animal Care and Control says these updates make animal protection stronger by:

1. Making it illegal to leave pets alone outside during extreme weather
2. Creating clearer legal process for animals seized during cruelty and neglect investigations. This shifts the burden for the animals’ cost of care from taxpayers to the accused abuser
3. Allowing a judge to determine whether an animal should be returned to its owner or given to Animal Care and Control after the criminal case is resolved.

   Credit: WKYT News Staff