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Louisville, KY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Basis for designation
Documented attack or crime, not breed
Leash length required
4 feet or less
Enclosure
Secure, Director-approved
ID requirement
Microchip + photos on file
Removal petition
After 18 incident-free months

Summary

Louisville Metro judges dogs by behavior, not breed: a dog is declared dangerous or potentially dangerous only after a bite, attack, or fight-related offense.

DANGEROUS DOG. Except as exempted in § 91.150(B) a dangerous dog is: (1) Any dog...which when unprovoked, in an aggressive manner commits a severe attack on any person or inflicts death or serious injury to any person; (2) Any dog which maims or kills domestic pets or livestock when not under restraint; (3) Any dog which is used in the commission of a crime...including, but not limited to dogfighting...

Source: Louisville Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government has no breed ban. Metro Animal Services classifies a dog as "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous" only after a documented attack, bite, or use in dogfighting or another crime, under Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances § 91.150. Declared dogs must be kept in a secure enclosure, leashed at 4 feet or less (muzzled if dangerous), microchipped, and photographed on file with the Director; owners pay an annual monitoring fee.

Violations & Fines

Violating a dangerous/potentially-dangerous dog's confinement, leash, or muzzle requirements is punishable under § 91.999 and triggers immediate impoundment by the Director.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Louisville ban pit bulls or any specific breed?
No. Louisville Metro Code § 91.150 defines dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs solely by documented behavior, an attack, bite, or use in a crime, never by breed.
What must an owner do once a dog is declared dangerous?
Keep it in a Director-approved secure enclosure, muzzle and leash it at 4 feet or less outside the enclosure, microchip it, and pay an annual monitoring fee to Metro Animal Services.

Sources & Official References

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All Louisville rules

How Louisville compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky animal ordinances overview

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