FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Two Kentucky counties have been targeted in separate lawsuits by animal rights supporters who claim the local shelters are inhumane for the animals they're supposed to care for.

The lawsuits were filed Wednesday and claim that officials in Robertson County in northern Kentucky and Estill County in eastern Kentucky are breaking state law. Both complaints are asking the court to order local officials to clean up the shelters.

"We're just asking them to do what they're already obligated to do," said Katie Brophy, a Louisville attorney representing the plaintiffs.

Kentucky has had problems with animal shelters in recent years, prompting lawmakers in 2003 to pass legislation aimed at improving them. The legislation was proposed after a Henry County shelter was captured on videotape euthanizing stray dogs by shooting them.

Court documents list Toni Penrod of Mount Olivet and Angelika Kasey of Louisville as plaintiffs. They say the local animal shelters are in violation of state law that requires counties to provide stray animals with proper food and shelter.

Penrod lives in Robertson County and wants to see a new shelter built there. The existing building does not provide animals with proper shelter from the elements, Penrod said.