Bowling Green, KY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The Chapter 5 definitions section defines 'vicious or dangerous animal' as any animal that attacks, bites or physically injures human beings, domestic animals or livestock without adequate provocation, and presumes an animal vicious or dangerous once it has attacked without provocation; the definition expressly excludes dogs used by law enforcement officers on duty, and says nothing about breed. Sec. 5-1.15(a) then applies uniformly to any animal meeting that definition: the owner must keep it securely confined indoors or in a fenced enclosure the animal cannot escape, and any outdoor pen must be at least five feet by ten feet with secure sides and a top, sides buried at least two feet if there's no solid floor.

Transporting the animal requires a muzzle plus a chain or leash no longer than six feet, held by a responsible adult able to control it. Sec. 5-1.15(b) allows seizure and impoundment if the animal escapes or is found at large, and lets an enforcement official use tranquilizers, other safe drugs, or if necessary kill the animal if it poses a physical threat during seizure. Nothing in Chapter 5 references breed, size, or type as a factor in this designation; the trigger is always the animal's own conduct.