Statutes: Kentucky

(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.