Louisville pet advocate wants more laws as KHS plans to build new facility

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — In recent years, animal shelters all across Kentucky have had an influx of dogs and cats leading to overcrowding.

Desiree Johnson has had years of experience trying to get dogs off streets and into homes.

"I was doing a lot of the driving around, looking for dogs, trying to catch them, type deal, turning them in as strays, you know, working with a group of other ladies that were just trying to help the city out," Johnson said.

Johnson then started fostering and volunteering. She said there's a huge need for more space to put stray animals, but she also believes microchipping pets should be mandated.

"The microchips have really helped us return a lot of dogs, both alive and unfortunately deceased. But it helps, and that's a law that needs to be mandated," Johnson said.

In September, several Louisville Metro councilmembers, including Donna Purvis and Andrew Owen, pushed for a city ordinance requiring all pet owners to microchip their pets and cats.

That's not the only thing Johnson said pet owners should have to do.

"Mandatory spay and neuter by the age of one or two, in my opinion, needs to be done," Johnson said.

In October, the Kentucky Humane Society announced plans for a large new campus in Louisville, launching a campaign to raise money for the new Animal & Community Campus.

KHS leaders said they hope the new location will expand dog and cat housing by 30% and facilitate nearly 7,000 adoptions each year.

They're also hoping to open a new low-cost public veterinary clinic with 6,000 annual appointments. All things Johnson says is needed in Louisville.

"I don't know if you've been inside LMAS (Louisville Metro Animal Services), and I know a lot of the public hasn't, but you know, they need more space, and they need more training space as well," Johnson said.

At the end of the day, Johnson is hoping if the new KHS building comes, new laws will come as well.

"I'm looking forward to the building, looking forward to some change. Less dogs will be euthanized because there will be more space. But if the laws aren't changed, they're going to run out of space there too," Johnson said.

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