GREENVILLE, KY- Protesters gathered outside the Muhlenberg County Courthouse Annex early Wednesday morning to raise awareness and also promote the enforcement of a new Kentucky Law offering harsher punishment to those who willingly abuse animals. The law (KRS 525.135 House Bill 285) known as "Ethan's Law" allows an individual to be charged with a Class D Felony for the willing abuse of any animal. Abuse of this nature was previously a Class A Misdemeanor in Kentucky, or in severe cases, a Class D Felony. This new law stems from "Ethan", a dog from Louisville that was willingly abused almost to the point of death. Ethan and owner, Jeff Calloway, now tour the state in an effort to raise awareness about the new law.
Photo from Facebook
On November 18th, 2024, David Allen Snider, of Central City, was arrested by Central City Police after photos surfaced on social media of a severely abused/starved dog inside his home on Morehead Street. Police arrested Snider on the 18th and charged him with a simple "Torture of a dog or cat". Snider was housed in the Muhlenberg County Jail but is currently out on bond and is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday. Concerned folks gathered at the courthouse annex today with the hope the Court will amend the initial charges and charge Snyder according to the new "Ethan's Law" standards. The dog Snider allegedly abused, "Clint Eastwood", has been recovered by the Muhlenberg County Humane Society and is being nursed back to health. Last report is he was doing "great".
Jeff Calloway with "Ethan Almighty" in Louisville has been present alongside "Ethan" to help raise awareness among the public and courts. Calloway stated the "lack of knowledge about this new law is common in the state" and he hopes this case will help set a legal precedent going forward. Folks in the protest are hoping Muhlenberg County doesn't "drop the ball".
We will continue to follow this developing story.
All photos below by staff at WMTA.
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