Former LMAS employee cited for neglect after dogs in her care found in poor condition

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A former Louisville Metro Animal Services employee is facing animal neglect citations after two Cocker Spaniels she adopted were found in poor condition.

LMAS confirmed that Katherine Laird, an executive administrator, is no longer employed as of Sept. 10, 2025. That was just days after LMAS officers cited her for neglect involving two dogs named Sammy and Lilly.

Laird adopted the dogs last August from Pearl’s Paws. The rescue had taken the dogs in after their owner passed away. Lauren Pearl Eaton, who runs the foster-based rescue in Louisville, said the dogs had always been cared for.

"Sammy and Lilly, they are true siblings. So, they have always lived together," Eaton said.

Eaton added that she was thrilled when Laird, an LMAS employee who had also worked for the Kentucky Humane Society, inquired about adopting the Cocker Spaniel siblings.

"I felt really good. I thought the dogs were going to be in one of the best homes possible for them. I was really excited about it," Eaton said.

But earlier this month, on Sept. 7, Sammy was picked up by LMAS after being found loose and severely matted. The dog was in poor condition, and because the microchip was still registered to Pearl’s Paws, Eaton got a call that LMAS had the pet, was facing a citation and would need to pay a fine before claiming the dog.

"I was very dumbfounded, and I said, 'Well, the adopter is actually an employee there,'" Eaton recounted to WDRB News.

Eaton paid the fine so that she could claim the dog.

Days later, on Sept. 9, Lilly was found with severe matting and unlicensed. At this point, both dogs were turned over to Eaton.

"Both girls were, I mean, completely matted. Sammy could barely walk. There's been incontinence issues. It's been several different things," she said.

Laird was cited twice for animal neglect.

"It's very frustrating to know that they were in good health and didn't require any extensive care initially, but now they do," Eaton said.

The dogs have since been groomed and treated by a veterinarian, but both still need surgery that could cost around $2,000. Eaton said they are now back with her rescue in a foster home.

"I think the most frustrating thing is, just in the state, we don't have animal laws that really stick. People are not held accountable," she said.

For information on how to help or adopt Sammy and Lilly, you can contact Eaton on Facebook.

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