House committee advances 'Keyon's Law' to require animal-control training to spot and report child abuse

The House Standing Committee on Local Government voted to give a favorable committee report for House Bill 194, known in testimony as Keyon’s Law, which would require animal control officers to undergo training—online, virtual or in person—to identify signs of child abuse and neglect and to report suspected abuse.

Representative Susan Whitten, sponsor of HB 194, told the committee the bill “is a simple but important bill that is sure to protect children and save lives.” She said animal control officers are often first to see warning signs in a household and that training would strengthen Kentucky’s child protection network.

Kira Dunk, testifying in support, cited research on the link between animal abuse and child abuse and said Kentucky’s child abuse rate remains high compared with national averages. “Through my research in the past years, I discovered The Link, a national organization that puts together decades worth of research on the connection between animal abuse and child abuse,” Dunk said, and noted local experience in Louisville where animal control officers who completed similar training submitted dozens of reports in 2024.

What the bill would do - Effective date language in the draft: the training requirement would apply to animal control officers employed, appointed, or contracted after Jan. 30, 2026, who must complete training within 120 days of their appointment or contracting. - Training formats allowed: in-person, virtual or digital modules; the bill does not specify a single curriculum provider in the committee testimony.

Committee discussion and vote Committee members expressed support, including Representative Fleming, who cited his experience in mental health fields and urged committee backing. Representative Stalker asked about the statutory timeline and how many officers would be affected; Whitten and testifiers said training already exists in some jurisdictions and that the timeline was chosen to give local agencies time to implement; they agreed the timeline could be adjusted as needed.

The committee proceeded to a roll-call vote after a motion and second. The clerk announced the ayes carried and the committee produced a favorable report recommending HB 194 should pass on the House floor.

What was not resolved The committee did not adopt a specified training provider, statewide funding for training, or an exact count of animal control officers who would be subject to the requirement; committee members asked staff and proponents to provide follow-up details as needed.

Next steps HB 194 will be reported to the House floor with a favorable committee recommendation; timing for second reading and floor action will be set by House leadership.