‘A victory for the voiceless’ as Beshear’s pen makes shelter dogs, cats official KY pets

By: Sarah Ladd

Outlets: Kentucky Lantern

Published: April 29, 2026

Words: 449

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Advocates hope a new Kentucky law will raise awareness about overpopulation in animal shelters and help more cats and dogs find forever homes.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 37 on Monday, which makes rescue dogs and cats the official state pets and names the Treeing Walker Coonhound the official breed of Kentucky.

With Beshear’s signature, a seven-year advocacy journey for Ethan Branscum ends. The Frankfort teenager, 13, has been pushing to …

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