Boone County, KY Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-based ban
- None; classification is conduct-based
- First-offense penalty
- $50-$200 fine or 10-60 days jail
- Enclosure standard
- 7-ft fence with anti-climbers, locked
- Leash limit outside enclosure
- 3 feet, muzzled
- Second conviction
- Mandatory euthanasia order, § 91.99(I)
Summary
Boone County, Kentucky does not ban any dog breed by name. Chapter 91 instead declares an animal "vicious" based on its conduct, such as an unprovoked bite causing serious injury, and § 91.20(B) bars owning a vicious animal unless a court lets the owner keep it under the strict confinement, registration and muzzling conditions of § 91.99(H).
Upon conviction under § 91.20(B) relating to possession of a vicious animal, the penalty shall be a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200, or not less than ten and up to 60 days in the county jail or both. In addition, the court shall order one of the following: (1) That the following regulations be followed as a condition of the owner retaining ownership of the animal: (a) The vicious animal shall be neutered, microchip implanted for identification purposes, licensed and registered with Animal Services. (b) The vicious animal shall be confined in an enclosure constructed of an uncovered fence or structure of at least seven feet in height with anti-climbers or a covered structure of sufficient height to allow the animal to stand erect without touching the top or cover... (d) ...it shall be under the direct control and supervision of its owner or keeper and shall be muzzled and restrained with a lead or leash not to exceed three feet in length, or placed in a secure animal carrier.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance 2025-20, passed 6-17-25; and State legislation current through KRS 2025).
Full Breakdown
01 defines VICIOUS ANIMAL by behavior, not breed: an animal with "a known propensity to endanger life" from an unprovoked bite causing serious injury, one that approaches "in a menacing manner" on a public street or sidewalk, or one "owned or harbored primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting with animals" all qualify, and biting a person or domestic animal more than once in the same attack is made "prima facie evidence" of viciousness. No breed is named anywhere in Chapter 91. 99(H)(1) conditions: the animal must be neutered, microchipped, and licensed and registered with Animal Services; confined in a locked enclosure at least seven feet high with anti-climbers, or a fully covered structure; posted with a warning sign visible from the road; and, whenever taken out for veterinary care, muzzled and kept on a leash no longer than three feet.
The owner must immediately notify Animal Control if the animal escapes, attacks, or dies. In the alternative, the court may order the animal "immediately surrendered to Animal Control to be euthanized," and a second conviction involving the same animal makes euthanasia mandatory.
Violations & Fines
A first conviction for possessing a vicious animal under § 91.20(B) carries a fine of $50 to $200, or 10 to 60 days in the county jail, or both, under § 91.99(H). A second or subsequent conviction involving the same animal carries the same fine and jail range under § 91.99(I), but the court must order the animal surrendered to Animal Control for euthanasia rather than allow continued ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boone County, Kentucky ban pit bulls or other dog breeds?
What must I do to keep a dog a court declares vicious?
What happens on a second vicious-animal conviction in Boone County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boone County
How Boone County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Boone County to another location·View the Kentucky animal ordinances overview
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