LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Animal advocate Pam Shofner-Daniels couldn't be blunter about it.
"This is an embarrassing situation for the state of Kentucky," she told WHAS11.
She's not only embarrassed the Commonwealth ranks last for its animal protection laws, but she's upset the state has had a failing grade for 11 straight years.
"It's just incredible that we can't get on board with having these laws changed," Shofner-Daniels said.
But, there could be change on the horizon. Metro Council members are looking into an ordinance that would create a database for animal abusers - documenting their convictions, denying their access to buying, owning or fostering animals.
Under the proposal, Louisville Metro Animal Services would develop and operate the registry. But spokesperson Teeya Barnes says there are some concerns, including more of an effort by the animal owners to fight their cases in court and prolonging how long LMAS keeps the animal.
"Which means we are spending more resources to care for these dogs while they are in our care. They are taking up space that could be used for strays that are coming into the shelter," LMAS Spokesperson Teeya Barnes said.
Shofner-Daniels likes the idea of an online registry, but she wants to see it statewide. A pre-filed bill sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Bratcher would do that - named Arrow's Law after a dog was found shot with an arrow in Shofner-Daniels' Fairdale neighborhood this summer.
"If I had to say one thing to the representatives out there who are going to vote on this -- this is what I would like to say. If you've ever loved a dog or cat or of you ever felt the love, the unconditional love from a dog or a cat, please vote and support these bills," she said.
►Contact reporter Robert Bradfield at rbradfield@whas11.com. Follow him on Twitter (@RobertBreports) and Facebook.