Now in other legislative news today, Animal control officers may be added to the list of people legally mandated to report child Abuse House bill.

194 would require animal control officers to be trained to recognize the signs of child abuse.

Because proponents say the presence of animal abuse in the home is often a red flag for child abuse.

Our McKenzie Speight has more.

>> When you think of mandated reporters, people like teachers, doctors are social workers may come to mind.

But Representative Susan Whitten says animal control officers need to be added to that list.

House Bill.

194 with train these officers to recognize the warning signs of child abuse in the home.

>> Animal control officers are often the first to witness warning signs of abuse and a household by equipping them with the training to identify and report child abuse.

We can strengthen Kentucky's child Protection network and help prevent tragic cases of neglect and mistreatment.

>> The 1983 survey by the International Journal for the Study of Animal problems showed the animals were being abused in 88% of homes where children were also being abused.

This link between animal and child abuse came into the spotlight in Louisville in 2021.

When 10 year-old Keon Higgins junior was killed by his mother, neighbors said they had witnessed her abusing the family dog prior to chaos, murder.

Garrett dunk who helped draft House Bill 194 wants to name the law in honor of he on House Bill.

194 is named Keon saw all after Keon had been to jail.

>> In discussions with Joy Keely in 2020 for you.

She told me Keyonte tragic story.

He was a kind 10 yo boy whose life was cut short by someone who was supposed to be protecting him.

Animal intro went to his house 2 dozen times before he was killed.

Sun God enough Angels.

We step up and help guide these babies out of the darkness.

Shortly after key on his death, retired LMPD Lieutenant Choi Keely spearheaded a local ordinance that requires all Louisville Metro Animal Control officers to be trained on the link between animal and child Abuse.

House bill.

194 working on slaw pass committee favorably and will now head to the House.

>> Lawyer for full consideration for Kentucky edition.

I'm McKenzie Spank.