Bowling Green does not have a breed-specific ban. There is no pit bull ban or breed-restricted permit in the current Bowling Green Code of Ordinances. Instead, Section 5-1 regulates 'vicious or dangerous animals' on a conduct basis: any animal that attacks, bites, or physically injures a human, domestic animal, or livestock without adequate provocation, and any animal that has attacked without provocation, is presumed vicious or dangerous. Such animals must be kept in a securely fenced enclosure (minimum 5 ft x 10 ft, secure top and sides) and may only be transported muzzled and on a leash no longer than six (6) feet held by a responsible adult.
The Bowling Green Code of Ordinances Chapter V (Animals) does not include breed-specific legislation. There is no pit bull ban, no breed-restricted insurance requirement, and no breed-restricted permit in current city code. Bowling Green and Warren County are not listed on Kentucky breed-specific legislation registries. Instead, Section 5-1.15 of the City Code defines a 'Vicious or Dangerous Animal' as 'any animal that attacks, bites or physically injures human beings, domestic animals or livestock without adequate provocation. Any animal that without provocation has attacked a human being or other animal shall be presumed vicious or dangerous for purposes of this Chapter.' Owners of a vicious or dangerous animal must keep the animal securely confined indoors or in a securely fenced outdoor enclosure with minimum dimensions of 5 ft x 10 ft, secure sides and a secure top; if the enclosure has no concrete, cement, or asphalt bottom, the fence sides must be embedded at least 2 feet into the ground; the enclosure must protect the animal from the elements. Transport requires the animal to be muzzled and restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length, held by a responsible adult capable of controlling the animal. Kentucky has no statewide breed-specific dog ban, but KRS 67.083 (home rule) does allow municipalities to enact local BSL; Bowling Green has chosen not to do so as of the most recent code update. Other Kentucky cities (e.g., Covington, Ludlow, Fort Thomas) still have BSL on the books, while cities such as Maysville, Bellevue, and Elsmere have repealed theirs in recent years.
Failure to confine a vicious or dangerous animal in a compliant enclosure, or transporting it without a muzzle and a leash no longer than six (6) feet, violates Section 5-1.15. Enforcement is by the City Animal Protection Officer, including impoundment at the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society. A dog bite or unprovoked attack may also trigger strict civil liability against the owner under KRS 258.235(4).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green has no ordinance prohibiting artificial turf on residential property. No City permit is required to install synthetic turf on a private lot. Th...
Bowling Green, KY
Under Ordinance BG2019-50 (City Code 15-7 and 15-8.02), Bowling Green permits mobile food units and pushcarts to operate on public rights-of-way only with a ...
Bowling Green, KY
Operating a mobile food unit (food truck) or pushcart on Bowling Green public rights-of-way requires a permit under Ordinance BG2019-50, codified at City Cod...
Bowling Green, KY
Federal law (FAA Part 107 for commercial; 49 U.S.C. § 44809 for recreational) governs the airspace over Bowling Green — the City cannot regulate altitude or ...
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green does not require a city permit or business license for a residential garage sale of personal household items. The City Code does not set an exp...
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green does not impose a specific time-deadline (e.g., '24 hours after snow stops') for residents to shovel snow off the public sidewalk. Under City C...
See how Bowling Green's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.