McCracken County, KY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

County Code § 50.01 defines a VICIOUS ANIMAL as one with a known propensity to endanger life through an unprovoked assault or bite causing serious bodily harm, one that approaches a person in a terrorizing, attacking manner unprovoked, or one bred or kept in part for animal fighting. A single incident in which the animal bites a human or domestic animal more than once is prima facie evidence of viciousness. Owning or possessing a vicious animal is unlawful under § 50.06(B). The code excuses an animal from the vicious designation if it bites solely while defending against someone assaulting its owner or trespassing, so provoked reactions are not automatically punished.

On conviction, § 50.99(F) imposes a fine of $100 to $500 or up to 90 days in jail, and the court must additionally order either euthanasia or a strict retention regime: the animal must be neutered and microchipped with Animal Control, confined in an enclosure with an uncovered fence at least seven feet high with anti-climbing features or an equivalent covered structure, the enclosure posted with a warning sign visible from the public road, and the animal may leave only for veterinary care or under Animal Control's direction, muzzled and leashed to no more than three feet when outside.

Owners must immediately report an escape, attack or death to Animal Control. A second conviction under § 50.99(G) raises the fine to $250 to $500 or up to a year in jail, and if the same animal is involved, the court must order it surrendered to Animal Control for euthanasia.