Georgetown, KY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

The Georgetown Code names no breed anywhere in the animal chapter. The rule turns on behavior. Sec. 6-19 defines a vicious animal as any animal that attacks, bites or injures human beings or domesticated animals without adequate provocation, or which, because of temperament, conditioning or training, has a known propensity to attack, bite or injure them. Sec. 6-23 then states the prohibition in one sentence: the keeping of a vicious animal is prohibited. The section itself prints no declaration hearing, registration, insurance or enclosure step, so the ban is flat once an animal meets the definition. The definition is not limited to dogs; it reaches any animal.

The penalty is the heaviest in the chapter. Under Sec. 6-30(c), a first violation is a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500, or imprisonment of not less than one day nor more than 30 days, or both. Each subsequent violation is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, or imprisonment of not less than seven days nor more than 90 days, or both. Each day of violation is a separate offense, and each vicious animal is counted as a separate violation.

Related provisions reach the same conduct from other angles. Sec. 6-26 bars any person from owning or possessing a wild or vicious animal for display, training or exhibition, exempting AAZPA accredited or educational facilities. Sec. 6-20(d) makes it unlawful to keep an animal that creates a public nuisance, including one that attacks people or other animals. Sec. 6-24(a) lets the city or its designated enforcement officers impound animals running at large or constituting a public nuisance in an animal shelter.