Louisville, KY Animal Ordinances: Chickens & Livestock (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum acreage
- 1 acre for livestock over 350 lbs
- Pig weight cap
- 350 lbs, regardless of lot size
- Pigs on small lots
- Up to 3 pigs under 0.5 acre
- Poultry acreage
- 0.5 acre, exception for small flocks
- Civil penalty
- $150 to $1,000 per citation
Summary
Louisville Metro requires livestock heavier than 350 pounds to be kept on at least one acre, limits backyard pigs to three or seven depending on lot size, and sets acreage and fencing rules for poultry.
All livestock weighing more than 350 pounds, excluding ponies, donkeys, and miniature horses, and with the exception to pigs as outlined in subsection (6), must be kept on an individual tract, lot, or parcel (as defined in the Land Development Code) of at least one acre or more; except the properties and facilities of Louisville Zoo, the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Police Department, Churchill Downs, and the Kentucky Derby Museum shall be exempt from this requirement. All livestock weighing under 350 pounds may exist on an individual tract, lot, or parcel of any size as long as they meet the welfare requirements as outlined in Chapter 91.
(6) All pigs kept within Louisville Metro shall weigh no more than 350 pounds. If the tract, lot or parcel is less than .5 acres, it can house up to three pigs. If the tract, lot or parcel is between .5 acres and two acres, it can house up to seven pigs. Properties and facilities of the Louisville Zoo shall be exempt from this requirement. All pigs registered with MAS by July 1, 2024, shall be grandfathered in for purposes of their current height, weight and number owned per tract or lot of land.
(7) All livestock other than poultry as set forth in subsection (8), below shall be confined by a fence in good repair sufficient to prevent the animal(s) from leaving the owner’s property. Livestock found not restrained by a fence in good repair and which present a threat to public safety may be
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
Under Metro Animal Services rules, livestock over 350 pounds, cattle, horses, goats, and similar animals, but not ponies, donkeys, or miniature horses, must sit on a tract of at least one acre, with exemptions for the Zoo, Metro Police, Churchill Downs, and the Derby Museum. Pigs are capped at 350 pounds: up to three on lots under half an acre, up to seven on lots between half an acre and two acres. All livestock except poultry need a fence keeping animals off neighboring property. Poultry needs at least half an acre unless the flock is five or fewer non-crowing birds plus one rooster, and must be fenced to prevent escape.
Violations & Fines
Metro Animal Services can cite owners under Chapter 91; violations carry civil penalties of $150 to $1,000, with each repeat offense cumulating, and unfenced livestock endangering the public can be seized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a horse or cow in Louisville Metro?
How many backyard chickens can I keep without more land?
Are there exceptions to the one-acre livestock rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
How Louisville compares: Best Cities for Backyard Chickens·Compare Louisville to another location·View the Kentucky animal ordinances overview
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