Kingsport, TN Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Kingsport defines a dangerous animal by what the dog has done, not by what it is. Section 14-34 of the Kingsport Code, in Chapter 14, Article II, makes it unlawful for any person to keep a vicious dog unless it is kept securely confined upon its own premises. A vicious dog is one that has previously bitten a person or another animal, or one that is subject to fits of rage during which it can attack, bite or jump on a person or other animal in such a manner as to cause physical harm. The definition names no breed, so any dog that meets either conduct test is covered and no dog is covered merely for its breed.

The section sets no declaration hearing, registration or insurance step. What it prints is a status test and a confinement duty: a dog with a prior bite or a history of rage fits stays securely confined upon its own premises. The word premises matters, because the same chapter treats a dog as at large when it is off the premises of the owner or keeper (section 14-1).

Other sections of Chapter 14 stack on top. Section 14-33 bars letting any dog run at large except on the owner's premises or in a city designated dog park, with a leash exception for a person actually in control of the dog. Section 14-35 limits a premises to five canines over 12 months of age, except as permitted in chapter 114 for kennels. Section 14-59 requires rabies inoculation for any dog owned. Under section 14-81 animal control officers capture, confine or impound animals in violation, calling on the police department if needed, and if it is not practical to capture, confine or impound the animal, it can be killed. An impounded animal is held 72 hours, or five days with a valid tag (section 14-83).