National humane society leader speaks alongside state government officials at annual Frankfort summit

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Animal welfare in Kentucky is something advocates feel very strongly about, and they came together in Frankfort to see where things need to go next.

It was a packed house on Friday at the Foundry in Frankfort for the 2025 Kentucky Animal Welfare Summit, where Kentucky state director for the Humane Society of the United States Todd Blevins spoke on the progress so far.

“We hold this summit as a day of inspiration and optimism because animal welfare is hard. Anybody that’s involved in animal welfare knows that this is a hard issue,” Blevins said.

Despite the challenges, there is still a lot of momentum in the movement for statewide animal welfare. While key issues were highlighted, the advocates also celebrated the victories and the work it took to make them happen.

“We don’t always get the opportunity to talk about the good that is going on out there and the ways that folks can get involved, but that’s what this event is for—to share stories of the good stuff going on while also sharing ways that people can continue to be engaged so we can make more progress,” Blevins said.

Secretary of State Michael Adams, an animal welfare advocate himself, was a special guest speaker, encouraging the public to speak up when it comes to issues they’re passionate about.

“That’s what our system of government is based on—the notion of regular folks getting together and approaching legislators to ask for action on issues. That’s how we’re going to fix animal welfare; it’s how we’re going to fix education and housing as well,” Adams said.

Secretary Adams also spoke on the value of knowing who it is that serves the community in these branches of government, saying a personal relationship can go a long way.

“Whether it comes to animal welfare, education, housing, anything else, it’s critical that people be informed about who their leaders are,” Adams said.

The Foundry in Frankfort was filled with these advocates wanting to celebrate and learn more, something that brings this feeling of hopefulness to other advocates.

“We probably have 100 people here. It’s extraordinary to think about all the people that have been getting involved are going to continue to get involved,” Blevins said.

Blevins also had a message for those who feel they can’t make a difference.

“You’re going to find you’re not alone. There are lots of folks out there, and we always welcome you into the movement at the Humane Society. We’re happy to have anybody that wants to get engaged, and we’re grateful to everybody that came out today to make their voice heard,” Blevins said.