The HSUS Praises Kentucky General Assembly and Gov. Beshear for Increasing Pet Torture Penalties 

FRANKFORT, Ky. − Romeo, an 8-month old yellow Labrador retriever who survived a horrific beating by his former owner, was there to witness Gov. Steve Beshear’s official signing of SB 58 — also known as Romeo’s Law.  

With SB 58’s passage, torturing a dog or cat and causing serious physical injury becomes a first-offense felony in Kentucky. The severe abuse Romeo suffered at the hands of Ronald Shawn Turner was caught on videotape by neighbors and served as a catalyst for the bill’s introduction. Turner was eventually found guilty of animal cruelty and sentenced to prison time and fined. 

Public support for the bill was overwhelming, according to Pamela Rogers, The HSUS’ Kentucky state director. “The legislative message lines were overflowing with calls from HSUS members and other animal protection groups and citizens from all over the state,” she said. “They wanted legislators to know that Kentuckians really care about the humane treatment of animals.”

The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. The bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Tom Buford (R–Nicholasville) acknowledged that connection at the ceremony, calling the passage of Romeo’s Law a “lesson in human feelings.”  

“We must practice kindness toward animals, for he who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. The heart of a man can be judged by his treatment of animals,” said Buford. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.