RIOT, DISORDERLY CONDUCT, AND RELATED OFFENSES

KRS tit. L, ch. 525

in effect

KRS 525.010 Definitions for chapter

525.010. Definitions for chapter The following definitions apply in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Desecrate" means defacing, damaging, polluting, or otherwise physically mistreating in a way that the actor knows will outrage the sensibilities of persons likely to observe or discover his or her action. (2) "Public" means affecting or likely to affect a substantial group of persons. (3) "Public place" means a place to which the public or a substantial group of persons has access and includes but is not limited to highways, transportation facilities, schools, places of amusements, parks, places of business, playgrounds, and hallways, lobbies, and other portions of apartment houses and hotels not constituting rooms or apartments designed for actual residence. An act is deemed to occur in a public place if it produces its offensive or proscribed consequences in a public place. (4) "Transportation facility" means any conveyance, premises, or place used for or in connection with public passenger transportation by air, railroad, motor vehicle, or any other method. It includes aircraft, watercraft, railroad cars, buses, and air, boat, railroad, and bus terminals and stations and all appurtenances thereto. (5) "Riot" means a public disturbance involving an assemblage of five (5) or more persons which by tumultuous and violent conduct creates grave danger of damage or injury to property or persons or substantially obstructs law enforcement or other government function. (6) "Service animal" includes a: (a) "Bomb detection dog," which means a dog that is trained to locate bombs or explosives by scent; (b) "Electronic detection dog," which means a dog that is trained to locate electronic devices by scent; (c) "Narcotic detection dog," which means a dog that is trained to locate narcotics by scent; (d) "Patrol dog," which means a dog that is trained to protect a peace officer and to apprehend a person; (e) "Tracking dog," which means a dog that is trained to track and find a missing person, escaped inmate, or fleeing felon; (f) "Search and rescue dog," which means a dog that is trained to locate lost or missing persons, victims of natural or man -made disasters, and human bodies; (g) "Accelerant detection dog," which means a dog that is trained for accelerant detection, commonly referred to as arson canines; (h) "Cadaver dog," which means a dog that is trained to find human remains; (i) "Assistance dog," which has the same meaning as in KRS 258.500; (j) Any dog that is trained in more than one (1) of the disciplines specified in paragraphs (a) to (i) of this subsection; (k) "Police dog," which means any dog that is owned, or the service of which is employed, by a law enforcement agency as defined in KRS 61.298 for t he principal purpose of aiding in detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, and apprehension of offenders; or (l) "Police horse," which means any horse that is owned, or the service of which is employed, by a law enforcement agency for the principal purpose of aiding in detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, and apprehension of offenders. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 140, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 211, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.015 Obstructing an emergency responder

525.015. Obstructing an emergency responder (1) As used in this section, "emergency responder" means state or local law enforcement personnel, fire department personnel, corrections officers, and emergency medical personnel and those contracted for official use by emergency responders. (2) No person shall intentionally obstruct or disrupt an emergency responder from performing his or her official duties. (3) Obstructing an emergency responder is a violation for a first offense, and a Class B misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. Effective: July 14, 2018 History: Created 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 26, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2018.

KRS 525.020 Riot in the first degree

525.020. Riot in the first degree (1) A person is guilty of riot in the first degree when: (a) He knowingly participates in a riot; and (b) In the course of and as a result of such riot a person other than one (1) of the participants suffers physical injury or substantial property damage occurs. (2) Riot in the first degree is a Class D felony. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 212, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.030 Riot in the second degree

525.030. Riot in the second degree (1) A person is guilty of riot in the second degree when he knowingly participates in a riot. (2) Riot in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 213, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.040 Inciting to riot

525.040. Inciting to riot (1) A person is guilty of inciting to riot when he incites or urges five (5) or more persons to create or engage in a riot. (2) Inciting to riot is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 214, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.045 Terrorism

525.045. Terrorism (1) A person is guilty of the separate offense of terrorism if conviction of the underlying offense committed would classify the person as a violent offender under KRS 439.3401(1)(a) or (b), or the underlying offense was an offense under KRS 527.200, 527.205, or 527.210 and the person had the intent to: (a) Intimidate the civilian population at large, or an identifiable group of the civilian population; or (b) Influence, through intimidation, the conduct or activities of the government of the United States, the Commonwealth, any other state, or any unit of local government. (2) A conviction of terrorism shall be punishable by a term of imprisonment for life without benefit of probation or parole. An offense under this section is a separate offense from the underlying offense and shall not merge with other offenses. (3) A person convicted under this section shall not be released on probation, shock probation, parole, conditional discharge, or any other form of conditional release. (4) (a) All real and personal property used or intended for use in the course of, derived from, or realized through an offense punishable pursuant to this section shall be subject to lawful seizure and forfeiture to the Commonwealth as set forth in KRS 218A.405 to 218A.460, except that any property seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth under this section that was used in an act of terror, as defined in KRS 411.025, shall be held for at least five (5) years for the purposes of paying any damages awarded under KRS 411.025. (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, any real or personal property: 1. Taken by a lender in good faith as collateral for the extension of credit and recorded as provided by law; 2. Of an owner who made a bona fide purchase of the property; or 3. Of a person with rightful possession of the property; shall not be subject to forfeiture unless the lender, owner, or person had knowledge of an offense under this section. (5) Damages awarded pursuant to a successful claim under KRS 411.025 may be paid by property lawfully seized and forfeited under this section. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 174, sec. 33, effective July 15, 2024. -- Created 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 111, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2018. Legislative Research Commission Note (7/14/2018). 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 111, sec. 3 provided that this statute as created in Section 2 of that Act shall be known and may be cited as Andy's Law.

KRS 525.050 Unlawful assembly

525.050. Unlawful assembly (1) A person is guilty of unlawful assembly when: (a) He assembles with five (5) or more persons for the purpose of engaging or preparing to engage with them in a riot; or (b) Being present at an assembly which either has or develops such a purpose, he remains there with intent to advance that purpose. (2) Unlawful assembly is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 215, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.055 Disorderly conduct in the first degree

525.055. Disorderly conduct in the first degree (1) A person is guilty of disorderly conduct in the first degree when he or she: (a) In a public place and with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or wantonly creating a risk thereof: 1. Engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior; 2. Makes unreasonable noise; or 3. Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose; and (b) Acts in a way described in paragraph (a) of this subsection within three hundred (300) feet of a: 1. Cemetery during a funeral or burial; 2. Funeral home during the viewing of a deceased person; 3. Funeral procession; 4. Funeral or memorial service; or 5. Building in which a funeral or memorial service is being conducted; and (c) Acts in a way described in paragraph (a) of this subsection at any point in time between one (1) hour prior to the commencement of an event specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection and one (1) hour following its conclusion; and (d) Knows that he or she is within three hundred (300) feet of an occasion described in paragraph (b) of this subsection. (2) Disorderly conduct in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective: June 26, 2007 History: Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 2, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1, effective March 27, 2006; and ch. 51, sec. 1, effective March 27, 2006. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/27/2006). This section was created by 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 1, and 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 1, which are substantially identical and have been codified together.

KRS 525.060 Disorderly conduct in the second degree

525.060. Disorderly conduct in the second degree (1) A person is guilty of disorderly conduct in the second degree when in a public place and with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or wantonly creating a risk thereof, he: (a) Engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior; (b) Makes unreasonable noise; (c) Refuses to obey an official order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, hazard, or other emergency; or (d) Creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act that serves no legitimate purpose. (2) Disorderly conduct in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: March 27, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 2, effective March 27, 2006; and ch. 51, sec. 2, effective March 27, 2006. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 216, effective January 1, 1975. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/27/2006). This section was amended by 2006 Ky. Acts chs. 50 and 51, which are identical and have been codified together.

KRS 525.070 Harassment

525.070. Harassment (1) A person is guilty of harassment when, with intent to intimidate, harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she: (a) Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise subjects him to physical contact; (b) Attempts or threatens to strike, shove, kick, or otherwise subject the person to physical contact; (c) In a public place, makes an offensively coarse utterance, gesture, or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present; (d) Follows a person in or about a public place or places; (e) Engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no legitimate purpose; or (f) Being enrolled as a student in a local school district, and while on school premises, on school-sponsored transportation, or at a school-sponsored event: 1. Damages or commits a theft of the property of another student; 2. Substantially disrupts the operation of the school; or 3. Creates a hostile environment by means of any gestures, written communications, oral statements, or physical acts that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know would cause another student to suffer fear of physical harm, intimidation, humiliation, or embarrassment. (2) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, harassment is a violation. (b) Harassment, as defined in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of this section, is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: July 15, 2008 History: Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 345, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 217, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.080 Harassing communications

525.080. Harassing communications (1) A person is guilty of harassing communications when, with intent to intimidate, harass, annoy, or alarm another person, he or she: (a) Communicates with a person, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, telegraph, mail, or any other form of electronic or written communication in a manner which causes annoyance or alarm and serves no purpose of legitimate communication; (b) Makes a telephone call, whether or not conversation ensues, with no purpose of legitimate communication; or (c) Communicates, while enrolled as a student in a local school district, with or about another school student, anonymously or otherwise, by telephone, the Internet, telegraph, mail, or any other form of electronic or written communication in a manner which a reasonable person under the circumstances should know would cause the other student to suffer fear of physical harm, intimidation, humiliation, or embarrassment and which serves no purpose of legitimate communication. (2) Harassing communications is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: July 15, 2016 History: Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 125, sec. 5, effective July 15, 2008. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 218, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.085 Dissemination of personally identifying information

525.085. Dissemination of personally identifying information (1) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Dissemination" means electronically publishing, posting, or otherwise disclosing information to a public Internet site or public forum; (b) "Household member" means a person who regularly resides in the household or who within the six (6) months preceding the conduct of the offense regularly resided in the household; (c) "Immediate family member" means a parent, grandparent, spouse, child, stepchild, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, or grandchild; and (d) "Personally identifying information" means information that identifies or reasonably can be used to identify an individual, including but not limited to: 1. Social Security number or other government-issued identifier; 2. Date of birth; 3. Home or physical address; 4. Electronic-mail address or telephone number; 5. Financial account number or credit or debit card number; 6. Biometric, health, or medical data, or insurance information; or 7. School or employment locations. (2) A person is guilty of disseminating personally identifying information about another person when, with the intent to intimidate, abuse, threaten, harass, or frighten a person who resides in the Commonwealth, he or she: (a) Intentionally disseminates the personally identifying information of the person or a person's immediate family member or household member; and (b) The dissemination would cause a reasonable person to be in fear of physical injury to himself or herself, or to his or her immediate family member or household member. (3) This section shall apply to electronic communications originating within or accessible within the Commonwealth. (4) Disseminating personally identifying information is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the dissemination results in: (a) Physical injury to the victim or to a victim's immediate family member or household member, in which case it is a Class D felony; (b) Serious physical injury to the victim or to a victim's immediate family member or household member, in which case it is a Class C felony; or (c) Death of the victim or of a victim's immediate family member or household member, in which case it is a Class B felony. (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability on a broadband Internet access service provider, a telecommunications service provider, an interconnected VoIP provider, or a mobile service provider as defined in 47 U.S.C. sec. 153, a commercial mobile service provider as defined in 47 U.S.C. sec. 332(d), or a cable operator as defined in 47 U.S.C. sec. 522, when acting in its capacity as a provider of those services. Effective: June 29, 2021 History: Created 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 199, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021.

KRS 525.090 Loitering

525.090. Loitering (1) A person is guilty of loitering when the person: (a) Loiters or remains in a public place for the purpose of gambling with cards, dice, or other gambling paraphernalia, except that the provisions of this section shall not apply if the person is participating in charitable gaming defined by KRS 238.505, or is engaged in sports wagering, fantasy contests, fixed-odds wagering, or wagering on live horse races and historical horse races licensed under KRS Chapter 230; (b) Loiters or remains in a public place for the purpose of unlawfully using a controlled substance; (c) Loiters or remains in or about a school, college, or university building or grounds, not having any reason or relationship involving custody of or responsibility for a pupil or student or any other specific legitimate reason for being there and not having written permission from anyone authorized to grant the same; or (d) Loiters or remains in any transportation facility, unless specifically authorized to do so, for the purpose of soliciting or engaging in any business, trade, or commercial transactions involving the sale of merchandise or services. (2) Loitering is a violation. Effective: July 15, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 184, sec. 37, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 147, sec. 19, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 18, effective March 16, 1994. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 102, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 267, sec. 8, effective July 15, 1980. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 219, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.100 Public intoxication

525.100. Public intoxication (1) A person is guilty of public intoxication when he appears in a public place manifestly under the influence of a controlled substance, or other intoxicating substance, excluding alcohol (unless the alcohol is present in combination with any of the above), not therapeutically administered, to the degree that he may endanger himself or other persons or property, or unreasonably annoy persons in his vicinity. (2) Public intoxication is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: July 1, 1986 History: Amended 1986 Ky. Acts ch. 336, sec. 9, effective July 1, 1986. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 220, effective January 1, 1975. Legislative Research Commission Note. Acts 1984, ch. 205, § 1 attempted to change the effective date of Acts 1982, ch. 312 to July 15, 1986; however, pursuant to KRS 446.270, the effective date must be July 1, 1986.

KRS 525.105 Desecration of venerated objects, first degree

525.105. Desecration of venerated objects, first degree (1) A person is guilty of desecration of venerated objects in the first degree when, other than authorized by law, he intentionally excavates or disinters human remains for the purpose of commercial sale or exploitation of the remains themselves or of objects buried contemporaneously with the remains. (2) Desecration of venerated objects in the first degree is a Class C felony. Effective: July 15, 2002 History: Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 276, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2002. -- Created 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 119, sec. 1, effective March 30, 1988.

KRS 525.110 Desecration of venerated objects, second degree

525.110. Desecration of venerated objects, second degree (1) A person is guilty of desecration of venerated objects in the second degree when he intentionally: (a) Desecrates any public monument or object or place of worship; or (b) Desecrates in a public place the national or state flag or other patriotic or religious symbol which is an object of veneration by the public or a substantial segment thereof. (2) Desecration of venerated objects in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective: July 14, 1992 History: Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 420, sec. 3, effective July 14, 1992. --Amended 1988 Ky. Acts ch. 119, sec. 2, effective March 30, 1988. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 221, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.113 Institutional vandalism

525.113. Institutional vandalism (1) A person is guilty of institutional vandalism when he, because of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals, knowingly vandalizes, defaces, damages, or desecrates objects defined in KRS 525.110. (2) Institutional vandalism is a Class D felony. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 606, sec. 52, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 525.115 Violating graves

525.115. Violating graves (1) A person is guilty of violating graves when he intentionally: (a) Mutilates the graves, monuments, fences, shrubbery, ornaments, grounds, or buildings in or enclosing any cemetery or place of sepulture; or (b) Violates the grave of any person by destroying, removing, or damaging the headstone or footstone, or the tomb over the enclosure protecting any grave; or (c) Digs into or plows over or removes any ornament, shrubbery, or flower placed upon any grave or lot. (2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to ordinary maintenance and care of a cemetery nor the removal and relocation of graves pursuant to procedures authorized by and in accordance with applicable statutes. (3) Violating graves is a Class D felony. (4) The court shall order the defendant to restore the cemetery to its pre-damage condition. Effective: July 15, 2002 History: Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 276, sec. 7, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 123, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Created 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 420, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992.

KRS 525.120 Abuse of a corpse

525.120. Abuse of a corpse (1) A person is guilty of abuse of a corpse when except as authorized by law he intentionally treats a corpse in a way that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities. A person shall also be guilty of abuse of a corpse if that person enters into a contract and accepts remuneration for the preparation of a corpse for burial or the burial or cremation of a corpse and then deliberately fails to prepare, bury, or cremate that corpse in accordance with that contract. (2) Abuse of a corpse is a Class D felony. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Amended 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 60, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 276, sec. 8, effective July 15, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 490, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 222, effective January 1, 1975. Legislative Research Commission Note (6/27/2019). Section 2 of 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 60 states that the Act, which amended this statute, may be cited as Kristen's Law.

KRS 525.125 Cruelty to animals in the first degree

525.125. Cruelty to animals in the first degree (1) As used in this section: (a) "Dog" means a domesticated canid of the genus canis lupus familiaris; and (b) "Dog fight" or "dog fighting" means any event that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between at least two (2) dogs for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment, except that the term "dog fight" or "dog fighting" shall not be deemed to include any activity the purpose of which involves the use of one (1) or more dogs in hunting or taking another animal. (2) The following persons are guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree: (a) Whenever a dog is knowingly caused to dog fight for pleasure or profit: 1. The owner of the dog; 2. The owner of the property on which the fight is conducted if the owner knows of the dog fight; and 3. Anyone who participates in the organization of the dog fight; and (b) Any person who knowingly owns, possesses, keeps, trains, sells, or otherwise transfers a dog for the purpose of dog fighting. (3) Activities of dogs engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall not constitute a violation of this section. (4) Activities of dogs engaged in working or guarding livestock shall not constitute a violation of this section. (5) Cruelty to animals in the first degree is a Class D felony. Effective: July 15, 2016 History: Amended 2016 Ky. Acts ch. 64, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 463, sec. 65, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 67, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/30/90) The definition of "animal" contained in KRS 446.010(2) does not reflect the amendatory language contained in Senate Bill 263 of the 1980 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly because the 1980 Senate Journal indicates that Senate Bill 263 was vetoed by Governor John Y. Brown, Jr., on April 9, 1980, and recommitted by action of the Senate to its Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on April 14, 1980. Senate Bill 263 proposed to change KRS 446.010(2) to read as follows: " 'Animal' includes every warmblooded living creature except birds and human beings;". By a letter dated March 16, 1990, the Attorney General has informally opined that Governor Brown's veto of Senate Bill 263 was not timely; that letter has exhibits showing that the bill was received by the Governor on March 28, 1980, and that his veto was received by the Senate Clerk on April 10, 1980.

KRS 525.130 Cruelty to animals in the second degree -- Exemptions -- Offense involving equines

525.130. Cruelty to animals in the second degree -- Exemptions -- Offense involving equines (1) A person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the second degree when except as authorized by law he intentionally or wantonly: (a) Subjects any animal to or causes cruel or injurious mistreatment through abandonment, participates other than as provided in KRS 525.125 in causing it to fight for pleasure or profit (including, but not limited to being a spectator or vendor at an event where a four (4) legged animal is caused to fight for pleasure or profit), mutilation, beating, torturing any animal other than a dog or cat, tormenting, failing to provide adequate food, drink, space, or health care, or by any other means; (b) Subjects any animal in his custody to cruel neglect; or (c) Kills any animal other than a domestic animal killed by poisoning. This paragraph shall not apply to intentional poisoning of a dog or cat. Intentional poisoning of a dog or cat shall constitute a violation of this section. (2) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing of animals: (a) Pursuant to a license to hunt, fish, or trap; (b) Incident to the processing as food or for other commercial purposes; (c) For humane purposes; (d) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes; (e) For purposes relating to sporting activities, including but not limited to horse racing at organized races and training for organized races, organized horse shows, or other animal shows; (f) For bona fide animal research activities of institutions of higher education; or a business entity registered with the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research; (g) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased animal; (h) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased animal; (i) For animal or pest control; or (j) For any other purpose authorized by law. (3) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized either by a hunting license or by the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall not constitute a violation of this section. (4) Cruelty to animals in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. (5) If a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to an offense under subsection (1) of this section arising from the person's treatment of an equine, the court may impose one (1) or both of the following penalties against the person, in addition to fines and imprisonment: (a) An order that the person pay restitution for damage to the property of others and for costs incurred by others, including reasonable costs, as determined by agreement or by the court after a hearing, incurred in feeding, sheltering, veterinary treatment, and incidental care of any equine that was the subject of the offense resulting in conviction; or (b) An order terminating or imposing conditions on the person's right to possession, title, custody, or care of any equine that was the subject of the offense resulting in conviction. If a person's ownership interest in an equine is terminated by a judicial order under paragraph (b) of this subsection, the court may order the sale, conveyance, or other disposition of the equine that was the subject of the offense resulting in conviction. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 145, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 2, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 463, sec. 66, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 67, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 223, effective January 1, 1975. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/30/90) The definition of "animal" contained in KRS 446.010(2) does not reflect the amendatory language contained in Senate Bill 263 of the 1980 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly because the 1980 Senate Journal indicates that Senate Bill 263 was vetoed by Governor John Y. Brown, Jr., on April 9, 1980, and recommitted by action of the Senate to its Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on April 14, 1980. Senate Bill 263 proposed to change KRS 446.010(2) to read as follows: " 'Animal' includes every warmblooded living creature except birds and human beings;". By a letter dated March 16, 1990, the Attorney General has informally opined that Governor Brown's veto of Senate Bill 263 was not timely; that letter has exhibits showing that the bill was received by the Governor on March 28, 1980, and that his veto was received by the Senate Clerk on April 10, 1980.

KRS 525.135 Torture of dog or cat

525.135. Torture of dog or cat (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) "Torture" means the intentional infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain or serious injury or death to a dog or cat, motivated by intent or wanton disregard that causes, increases, or prolongs the pain or suffering of the dog or cat, including serious physical injury or infirmity. "Torture" shall include situations where the extreme physical pain, serious physical injury or infirmity, or death results from restraint of the dog or cat, which may include being: 1. Locked in a cage or kennel; 2. Sealed in a plastic bag or box; 3. Chained or tied down to restrict motion; 4. Pitched in a dumpster; 5. Abandoned in a building for three (3) days or more with no intention of returning or having made provisions for the animal's care; 6. Physically restrained with tie wraps, rope, chains, or tape; 7. Intentionally injured to cause immobility so that the animal cannot save itself from starvation, dehydration, physical impairment, serious physical injury or infirmity, or death; or 8. Manually restrained; and (b) "Serious physical injury or infirmity" means physical injury or physical infirmity that creates a substantial risk of death, protracted loss, or impairment of the function of the limb or bodily organ caused by willful or wanton disregard while restrained. As used in this paragraph: 1. "Physical infirmity" includes intentional starvation, dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, muscle atrophy, restriction of blood flow to a limb or organ, mange or other skin disease or parasitic infestation for which medical care has been denied, denial of life-saving medical care or professional euthanasia while intentionally restraining with the intent to cause or the wanton disregard for extreme physical pain, serious injury, or death; and 2. "Physical injury" includes substantial physical pain, serious injury, or death intentionally caused by fractures, cuts, burns, punctures, bruises due to crushing, burning, drowning, beating, poisoning, suffocating, hanging, impaling or skinning alive, physical disfigurement, loss of function of a limb or body organ or other wounds or illnesses produced by violence or a thermal or chemical agent while intentionally restrained with the intent to cause or the wanton disregard for extreme physical pain, serious injury, or death. (2) A person is guilty of torture of a dog or cat when he or she, without legal justification, intentionally tortures a domestic dog or cat. (3) Torture of a dog or cat is a Class D felony. (4) Each act of torture of a dog or cat may constitute a separate offense. (5) Under recommendation of a veterinarian, a tortured dog or cat may be humanely euthanized after it is seized if it is still alive but suffering from the intentional torture that will lead to its death. (6) Nothing in this section shall apply to the killing or injuring of a dog or cat without intent to cause, or without wanton disregard of, increasing or prolonging the pain, suffering, or death of the dog or cat: (a) In accordance with a license to hunt, fish, or trap; (b) For humane purposes; (c) For veterinary, agricultural, spaying or neutering, or cosmetic purposes or breed-specific alterations such as cropping of ears, docking of tails, or declawing of a cat, all done by a veterinarian; (d) For purposes relating to sporting activities including but not limited to training for organized dog or cat shows, or other animal shows in which a dog or a cat, or both, participate; (e) For bona fide animal research activities, using dogs or cats, of institutions of higher education; or a business entity registered with the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act or subject to other federal laws governing animal research; (f) In defense of self or another person against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat; (g) In defense of a domestic animal against an aggressive or diseased dog or cat; (h) For animal or pest control; or (i) For any other purpose authorized by law. (7) Activities of animals engaged in hunting, field trials, dog training other than training a dog to fight for pleasure or profit, and other activities authorized eit her by a hunting license or by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shall not constitute a violation of this section. (8) The acts specified in this section shall not constitute cruelty to animals under KRS 525.125 or 525.130. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 81, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 136, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Created 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 181, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003. Legislative Research Commission Note (6/24/2003). In subsection (4)(e) of this section, the redundant words "activities of" have been deleted before the phrase "bona fide animal research activities."

KRS 525.137 Sexual crimes against an animal

525.137. Sexual crimes against an animal (1) As used in this section: (a) "Animal" means any nonhuman creature; and (b) "Sexual contact" means any act committed between a person and an animal for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, abuse, or financial gain involving: 1. Contact between the sex organs or anus of one and the mouth, sex organs, or anus of another; 2. The insertion of any part of the animal's body into the vaginal or anal opening of the person; or 3. The insertion of any part of the body of a person or any object into the vaginal or anal opening of an animal without a bona fide veterinary or animal husbandry purpose. (2) A person is guilty of sexual crimes against an animal if he or she: (a) Engages in sexual contact with an animal; (b) Advertises, solicits, offers, or accepts the offer of an animal, or possesses, purchases, or otherwise obtains an animal, with the intent that the animal be subject to sexual contact; or (c) Causes, aids, or abets another person to engage in sexual contact with an animal. (3) Sexual crimes against an animal is a Class D felony. (4) Nothing in this section shall apply to: (a) Accepted veterinary practices; (b) Artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes; (c) Accepted animal husbandry practices, including grooming, raising, breeding, or assisting with the birthing process of animals or any other procedure that provides care for an animal; or (d) Generally accepted practices related to the judging of breed conformation. (5) In addition to the penalty imposed in subsection (3) of this section, the court shall order a person convicted of violating this section to: (a) Relinquish custody of all animals under the person's control. If the person convicted of violating this section is not the owner of the animal that was the subject of the violation, then the animal shall be returned to the owner of the animal. An animal returned to an owner under this section shall not be spayed or neutered prior to being returned; (b) Not harbor, own, possess, or exercise control over any animal, reside in any household where animals are present, or work or volunteer in a place where the person has unsupervised access to animals for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of the imposed sentence; (c) Attend an appropriate treatment program or obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling, at the person's expense; and (d) Reimburse the agency caring for the animal for reasonable costs incurred for the care and treatment of the animal from the date of impoundment until the disposition of the criminal proceeding. Effective: June 27, 2019 History: Created 2019 Ky. Acts ch. 184, sec. 1, effective June 27, 2019.

KRS 525.140 Obstructing a highway or other public passage

525.140. Obstructing a highway or other public passage (1) A person is guilty of obstructing a highway or other public passage when having no legal privilege to do so he, alone or with other persons, intentionally or wantonly renders any highway or public passage impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard. (2) No person shall be convicted under this section solely because of a gathering of persons to hear him speak or otherwise communicate or solely because of being a member of such a gathering. (3) An order to disperse issued by a peace officer or other public servant engaged in executing or enforcing the law and addressed to a person whose speech or other lawful behavior attracts an obstructing audience shall not be deemed lawful if the obstruction can be readily remedied by police control of the size or location of the gathering. (4) Obstructing a highway or other public passage is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 224, effective January 1, 1975.

KRS 525.145 Disrupting meetings and processions in the first degree

525.145. Disrupting meetings and processions in the first degree (1) A person is guilty of disrupting meetings and processions in the first degree when, with intent to prevent or disrupt a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person, he or she does any act tending to obstruct or interfere with it physically or makes any utterance, gesture, or display designed to outrage the sensibilities of the group attending the occasion. (2) Disrupting meetings and processions in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective: March 27, 2006 History: Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 3, effective March 27, 2006; and ch. 51, sec. 3, effective March 27, 2006. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/27/2006). This section was created by 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 3, and 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 3, which are identical and have been codified together.

KRS 525.150 Disrupting meetings and processions in the second degree

525.150. Disrupting meetings and processions in the second degree (1) A person is guilty of disrupting meetings and processions in the second degree when, with intent to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering, he or she does any act tending to obstruct or interfere with it physically or makes any utterance, gesture, or display designed to outrage the sensibilities of the group. (2) Disrupting meetings and processions in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: March 27, 2006 History: Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 4, effective March 27, 2006; and ch. 51, sec. 4, effective March 27, 2006. -- Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 225, effective January 1, 1975. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/27/2006). This section was amended by 2006 Ky. Acts chs. 50 and 51, which are identical and have been codified together.

KRS 525.155 Interference with a funeral

525.155. Interference with a funeral (1) A person is guilty of interference with a funeral when, at any point in time between one (1) hour prior to the commencement of an event specified in this subsection and one (1) hour following its conclusion, he or she blocks, impedes, inhibits, or in any other manner obstructs or interferes with access into or from any building or parking lot of a building in which a funeral, wake, memorial service, or burial is being conducted, or any burial plot or the parking lot of the cemetery in which a funeral, wake, memorial service, or burial is being conducted. (2) Interference with a funeral is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: June 26, 2007 History: Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 3, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 5, effective March 27, 2006; and ch. 51, sec. 5, effective March 27, 2006. Legislative Research Commission Note (6/26/07). A reference to "paragraph (a) of this subsection" in 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 107, sec. 3, has been corrected in codification by the Reviser of Statutes under the authority of KRS 7.136 to read simply "this subsection" since the division of the subsection into paragraphs was eliminated. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/27/06). This section was created by 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 50, sec. 5, and 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 51, sec. 5, which are identical and have been codified together.

KRS 525.160 Failure to disperse

525.160. Failure to disperse (1) A person is guilty of failure to disperse if he participates with two (2) or more persons in a course of disorderly conduct likely to cause substantial harm or serious inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, and intentionally refuses to disperse when ordered to do so by a peace officer or other public servant engaged in executing or enforcing the law. (2) Failure to disperse is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: July 15, 1980 History: Created 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 49, sec. 14, effective July 15, 1980.

KRS 525.200 Assault on a service animal in the first degree -- Definition

525.200. Assault on a service animal in the first degree -- Definition (1) A person is guilty of assault on a service animal in the first degree when, without legal justification or lawful authority: (a) He or she intentionally kills or causes seriou s physical injury to a service animal; (b) He or she intentionally causes physical injury to a service animal by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or (c) He or she wantonly causes serious physical injury to a service animal by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. (2) For the purposes of this section, "service animal" has the same meaning as in KRS 525.010, except that "service animal" does not include assistance dogs as in KRS 525.010(6)(i). (3) Assault on a service animal in th e first degree is a Class D felony. Effective: June 29, 2023 History: Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 169, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2023. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 29, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2017. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 525.205 Assault on a service animal in the second degree

525.205. Assault on a service animal in the second degree (1) A person is guilty of assault on a service animal in the second degree when he intentionally and without legal justification or lawful authority causes physical injury to a service animal. (2) Assault on a service animal in the second degree is a Class B misdemeanor. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 3, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 525.210 Duty status of service animal not a factor in application of KRS 525.200 and 525.205

525.210. Duty status of service animal not a factor in application of KRS 525.200 and 525.205 KRS 525.200 and 525.205 shall apply whether or not the service animal is on duty or off duty. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 525.215 Defendant's liability for damages upon conviction of assault on a service animal

525.215. Defendant's liability for damages upon conviction of assault on a service animal In any case in which a defendant is convicted of a violation of the provisions of KRS 525.200 or 525.205, the defendant may be ordered to make restitution to the person or agency owning the animal for any veterinary bills, replacement costs of the animal if it is disabled or killed, and the salary of the animal handler for the period of time his services are lost to the agency or self-employment. Effective: July 15, 1998 History: Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1998.

KRS 525.220 Bars and defenses to conviction of assault on a service animal

525.220. Bars and defenses to conviction of assault on a service animal No person shall be convicted of assault on a service animal when he or she has: (1) Also been convicted of a violation of KRS 512.020, 512.030, 525.125, or 525.130 arising out of the same incident; (2) Destroyed or treated a service animal that is injured, diseased, or suffering or that constitutes a hazard to public safety if not destroyed; (3) Used physical force against the service animal in protection of himself, herself, or a third person; or (4) Used physical force without knowledge that the animal was a service animal. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 174, sec. 14, effective July 15, 2024. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 419, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1998.

Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39391Fetched: 10/20/2026