LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ethan, also knowns as "Ethan Almighty," was once found emaciated and abandoned in the Kentucky Humane Society parking lot. Now, he's helping pass legislation that will ensure greater punishments for torture to animals like him in the future.
Kentucky House Bill 258, known as "Ethan's Law," passed through the Kentucky General Assembly on Tuesday. Ethan and his owner, Jeff, were at the Kentucky Capitol advocating for the bill and for animal rights.
As Ethan and Jeff waited for a verdict, Jeff posted on Facebook saying, "Ethan is in the Senate with his paws crossed."
The bill strengthens animal torture laws in Kentucky, making the torture of cats and dogs a Class D Felony in every instance.
HB 258 now goes to Governor Andy Beshear where he will decide whether or not the bill becomes law.
Ethan was rescued in Louisville after he survived severe abuse and neglect back in January 2021. He weighed just 38 pounds when he should've weighed about 90 pounds and he was severely dehydrated. Veterinarians weren't sure if he'd even make it past the first night.
Fast forward three years, Ethan is celebrated by Louisvillians and has been honored in dozens of events benefitting animals and the community.
Since Ethan was saved, he has won the national "2022 Shelter Hero Dog" award, he beat out 400 other remarkable dogs to win the "2022 American Humane Hero Dog Awards," and Governor Andy Beshear even declared the month of January as "Ethan Almighty Shelter Animal Awareness Month."
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