‘They’re just like us’: Local animal rights advocates urge Fleming County leaders to enforce Ethan’s Law
FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. — A passionate group of community members gathered in downtown Flemingsburg Wednesday to protest the alleged mistreatment of three dogs—Milly, Tilly, and Draco—rescued from dire conditions in Northern Kentucky.
"Issue number one, there's some unknown hard mummified thing in his colon that he cannot pass on his own. Issue number two is the pelvis was busted when he was hit by the car. He does have worms but nothing crazy," she said about Draco.
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Johnson also said that two other dogs, Tilly and Milly, both six-month-old extra-large breeds, weighed only eight pounds and one could not stand.
The rally was fueled by a commitment to enforce Ethan's Law, which redefines animal torture, including the "willfully and wantonly withholding food or water from a dog."
"Class-D felony, first offense, on everyone, laws in place. We've done the hard part, we've rescued the dog; I need you to press charges," Johnson said.
According to Johnson, all three dogs were examined by veterinarians, who determined they had no medical reasons for their severe emaciation. This, she argues, substantiates claims of torture under Ethan's Law.
"They're living creatures, they're souls, they're just like us. They're our brethren, and we're supposed to take care of our brethren," she added.
Johnson said she was happy with how the day turned out, with productive discussions with local law enforcement and the county attorney. "We need to work with the authorities. We need to work together. We need to get involved earlier, before the dogs are to this state, which we made plans with the sheriff about," Johnson said.
She said law enforcement emphasized the importance of having witnesses to help investigate animal abuse cases, which is why she is urging community members to come forward if they see or hear anything.
County Attorney Monica Hill responded to the community's efforts, stating:
"I am glad that we have individuals in the community that are passionate about Ethan's law and who are willing to express their concerns in an appropriate and peaceful manner. I was able to speak with those individuals and explained that I will review any case that is presented to my office by law enforcement after a thorough investigation has been completed. That is the process that this office always follows, and this type of case is no exception. I do take animal cruelty allegations seriously and have successfully prosecuted several individuals who have harmed animals in the past. I will continue to stay the course on those issues when they are properly presented to me. The individuals I spoke with offered some excellent community resources and I appreciate the fact that not only did they present their complaints and concerns, but they offered solutions and assistance on these types of issues in the future if needed."
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Johnson added, "She knew the story; she said, I've looked at it, I absolutely feel he qualifies as a torture case under Ethan's Law and I absolutely feel not only would we be able to file charges, but we will probably get a conviction out of it. She's very on board with all of this, which was our big message: we need to work together as a community."
She said the hope is that the plight of Milly, Tilly, and Draco will spark necessary legal actions and improvements in animal welfare enforcement in the region.
